Hammy may have torn out a toenail

[Adrienneinohio]

We woke up this morning to find our Dexter had escaped his bin having popped the screen off the top after chewing through zip ties. At any rate, he appears to have passed the evening hours trying to dig out from under the bedroom door. The carpet is gone clear down to the backing. Though we didn't find a toenail, one of his toes is bloody(dried). It's not still bleeding, and I didn't feel anything jagged, so I think the nail is actually torn off at the base. Will it grow back? I'm assuming that since the bleeding stopped, there's not much else to be done. But thought I would check with you all.

[racinghamster]

If he has ripped a nail out I`m not sure it will grow back, but the main thing is to watch for his toe swelling or seeming sore. You could bathe it with saline (one pint of boiled water, add a teaspoon of salt and allow to melt. Wait until the water is baby temperature). make sure the Bin is totally escape proof or switch to a more secure cage?

Keep an eye on his behaviour and paw, making sure he can hold food okay and walk without limping. x

[souffle]

It likely will grow back as long as the nail bed is not very badly damaged. Just make sure it stays clean and does not look very swollen or oozing pus or anything. Hope he is OK. They can be very determined when they get a taste for freedom!!

[Thin Lizzy]

When I saw the title of your thread I went ouch!
Like RH has suggested, be sure to keep it clean and should it swell then he may need antibiotics from the vet.

[Adrienneinohio]

Thanks everyone. Dexter seems to be doing fine. We removed the wheel and kept him quiet for a couple days. We just gave him a flying saucer style wheel instead and he is running with no limp. I will keep an eye on him. I appreciate you all taking the time to answer!
@racinghamster, we are replacing the zip ties with wire just in case since he chewed through them. But I think without the vertical wheel, there isn't anything to give him the height he needs to climb the bin walls.