Sylvia is a Golden syrian hamster. My sister has had her since July/August. Recently Sylvia has had a wet patch around her tail area. It is there, then the next day it has gone. By the end of the day the wet patch is back. It keeps drying then becoming wet again then drying and so on. We think it may be that maybe her water bottle dripped a little bit and she sat in a wet patch but I think I need the opinion of someone who knows more about the health of hamsters.

Does anyone know if Sylvia might be ill?

First thought is diarrhea caused by diet change. See Hamsterific Hamster Illness Guide (http://www.hamsterific.com/IllnessGuide.cfm). Also, see if this article about Wet Tail in Hamsters (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=18&cat=1799&articleid=622) matches her symptoms.

She seems perfectly healthy apart from the fact that her tail is wet on and off. She doesn't have diarrhea, she eats normally.

She doesn't have diarrhea, she eats normally.

Probably just wet from urination or water then. However if it persists, or she becomes lethargic take her to a vet.

Wet tail is very serious, the hamster usually dies within 24 hours of getting this disease. Sylvia does not sound like she has wet tail, believe me, you'd know.

Does the wet spot smell funny? That would be a way to tell whether it is just water or urine that is causing this. If you are worried, or if she stops eating or starts getting the runs then take her to the vet immediately. Hamsters are very finicky and can get sick quite easily. Just keep you eye on her, you'll know what to do.

Good Luck.

Thanks.