my hamster is trying to chew off her leg!

[Reda7x]

My dwarf hamster's back leg got tangled in a thin thread of her previous wool bedding (which I already got.rid of, and im never using it again), I was able to release her but her paw got wounded and now, no matter how hard I try, she keeps trying to chew off her leg!I already took her.to the vet and she gave me medicinal ointment for her leg and hamster safe ligaments, however she keeps biting until.she reaches her leg. Im very scred that she will loose her leg,is it possible that she can die over this?????

[Piebald]

I am not a vet but I'd say if you are worried there is something to worry about- you are closest to her. It sounds like her leg is bothering her and in her rodent mind that means chew it. I would take her back to the vet, or get a second opinion from another vet immediately. That wool bedding should really be banned.

[Pebbles82]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Yes definitely go back to the vet. It must be causing her pain. Or maybe she has some keen instinct that the circulation was cut off and gangrene might have taken hold. You need to tell the vet that ointment isn't enough to stop her chewing it and he might decide to amputate (unless they have things like those dog collars that stop dogs licking sore places), or a hamster muzzle but I think that might be cruel anyway. They are such amazing little creatures. Does your vet have an emergency number for week-ends? It might need amputating which would be cleaner than being chewed off. Sorry. It must be a very strong instinct because Gangrene gets in the bloodstream and kills unless the affected part is removed higher up.

[velma]

I'm so sorry to hear that. Yes, same as the others have said -back to the vet. They may be able to give pain killers which should stop her hurting enough for her to chew it. But it's obviously causing her pain which is why she's trying to chew it off. I'm not sure if they do it because of infection, I think it's just because it hurts and they want to get rid of the thing that's hurting. If the painkillers don't work then they may need to amputate her leg. I saw a hamster owner on YouTube recently had a similar problem & that was the route they went down. (Unfortunately, her hamster later had to be euthanised as he wasn't having a good quality of life but not because he was 3 legged.)
I'm not sure Serendipity that I'd want to wrestle a "cone of shame" on to a hamster, even if their anatomy allowed for it! I quite like my fingers as they are But their pouches go back too far and they can slink out too flat with their bendy spines to have any hope of one staying on.
But yep, the only thing to be done, I'd say is the vet again. And if that's no help, see if their is one near you a bit more specialised in small animals. I hope it works out okay x

[Pebbles82]

On a positive note - 3 legged hammies do very well. Someone on here has one I seem to remember. They hop about fine with 3 legs. But vet treatment does sound urgent to me now if she is trying to chew it off.

[BrainGirl]

If her leg is bothering her she may need pain meds. I'm so sorry this has happened to your little one x

[Reda7x]

Thank you all so much for your replies (: I already took my little Yui to the vet and unfortunately her leg wont be able to be saved.... although on more positive news, she no longer seems to be in pain and stopped chewing on her leg, she's as active and playfull as before and is drinking and eating again. My vet explained that her leg is completely numb and will need to be amputated, however since yui doesnt chew on it or complain, the vet wants me to keep applying the ointment until the infection is less severe so she can perform the surgery, she assured me Yui will be fine as a three legged hamster and told me that right now for the next 3 days to apply the ointment, make sure she's in a safe cage with very few accessories and comfy bedding (which she adviced me to cut fleece in large peaces) mix vitamins in her water, give her chicken liver and shrimps and other hamster safe proteins mixed in her food for her to regain strength and weight and she injected some serum on her back to help Yui recover from not drinking much the last 2 days...im hoping everything will turn out ok, I love her so much and I feel awful that my lack of research caused her so much pain ):

[Pebbles82]

Don't feel awful. You have taken action to save her! So many people feel that fluffy bedding should be banned. If it was banned people couldn't buy it. You wouldn't have bought it then. It probably said 'safe' on the packet (hmm I wonder if that is a trades descriptions issue).

I am not sad your wee one needs an amputation because it will save her. Your vet sounds great by the way! Your love of her shines through - don't feel bad - it has happened to quite a few people - hence the campaigns to try and get the stuff banned.
Excellent news that your vet is dealing with it all.

[velma]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

Don't feel awful. You have taken action to save her! So many people feel that fluffy bedding should be banned. If it was banned people couldn't buy it. You wouldn't have bought it then. It probably said 'safe' on the packet (hmm I wonder if that is a trades descriptions issue).

I am not sad your wee one needs an amputation because it will save her. Your vet sounds great by the way! Your love of her shines through - don't feel bad - it has happened to quite a few people - hence the campaigns to try and get the stuff banned.
Excellent news that your vet is dealing with it all.

I just wanted to echo all of Serendipity's sentiments. Exactly that. And you did take action, you joined this forum to look for advice.

I've owned hamsters on & off for about 25 years but this is the first time I've had proper advice, since I've been in the forum. And turns out, I knew very little! I think with some pets, their basic care needs haven't changed very much in years but as hamsters are newish domestic animals, they're discovering new things all the time about their needs. I think I've fallen into the trap in the past of thinking that what I did with past hamsters (such as fluffy bedding) is still relevant when in fact it's all changed so really, don't feel bad - who knew the world of hamster care is so fast moving?!


I'm glad your vet sounds so useful and proactive. And that you currently have a happier ham. Keep us updated

[Piebald]

Glad to hear the relatively good news. I am sure your ham will be fine on 3 legs and your vet sounds good.