Hamster dragging leg after going to the vets

Kimothyy · 08-16-2019, 10:51 AM

Hello all,

I just got back from the vets as my 2 and a half hear old Syrian hamster's eye was stuck shut. She gave me some antibiotics but said her abdomen was unusually large and poked around very hard, she said she felt something pop and that it is cysts and to come back if she shows signs of pain.
My concern is since taking her back from the vet she is dragging her back right leg (the same side the vet was poking) and is acting differently (not sleeping in her bed). When she had her teeth trimmed she seemed upset like this but was fine after a sleep. I'm worried the vet has broke her leg while poking around. They are closed now and over the weekend and I will call them up as soon as possible, but don't know what to do in the mean time.

Thank you in advance!

souffle · 08-17-2019, 12:41 PM

That really doesn't sound like the vet examined her very well. With a swollen abdomen they should have taken extreme care in case they caused a rupture.
Does she feel cold to the touch. If the vet has indeed caused a rupture there could be internal damage and there is unlikely to be anything they could do as sadly she is quite an old hammy now however if you feel she is in pain I would ring their emergency number for advice. Keep her warm but not hot and offer some soft foods like some porridge or babyfood. Give a bowl of water in case she is unable to stand up. Remove any things that are in her way and make the cage easy to move around for now. Take out the wheel. Poor little girl I do hope she is more comfortable soon.

Kimothyy · 08-18-2019, 01:47 AM

Thank you for the advice souffle.
She has started to act more like her usual self, her leg looks stronger, she's back to asking for food up the side of the cage and she is travelling to the other side to go the toilet. Hard bananas are her favourite and she's still trying to eat them, I'll keep a close eye on her and have given her lots of soft food with a good water content and put a bowl close to her bed. She feels warm and has made herself a huge nest so she seems as comfortable as she can be.
Thank you for helping me make the little angel comfortable, I really appreciate it.