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Old 05-24-2020, 01:04 PM   #1
Jingles
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Default I think my hamster has broken it’s leg

Hello,
I’m a new hamster owner and new to the forum.

Late last night we were letting our hamster have a run around. He likes to go behind a tall bookcase and shimmy his way to the top but he didn’t make it this time and we presume he fell. When he eventually reappeared he was limping, dragging his leg behind him. He let me carry him as usual back to his cage. He moved around but limping. Today he’s slept most of the day but has eaten a little and gone to the toilet. He has been keeping to his house so haven’t been able to observe him but I also want him to rest and not disturb him if he’s in pain. He’s sleepy but not making any noise which is usual.

We need to get him to a vet but wé’re not registered anywhere. Being bank holiday weekend doesn’t help. If he’s broken his leg, I’m worried he’s in a lot of pain and what the impact will be because of the delay getting him help.

Any advice?
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Old 05-24-2020, 02:10 PM   #2
souffle
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Default Re: I think my hamster has broken it’s leg

He is likely in some pain if the leg is broken so he really does need seen by a vet. For now remove his wheel and any shelves or things he can climb on. Put food nearbye and also water in a bowl in case he is unable to stand up to drink. If the foot looks black then the blood supply has been cut off and he needs seen urgently. If it is very bad it may been amputation but they do just fine on 3 legs. May send a video to the vets and they prescribe online. Ask about costs before you commit if money is an issue at this difficult time.
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Old 05-25-2020, 07:07 AM   #3
Jingles
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Default Re: I think my hamster has broken it’s leg

Thank you for your reply. When he woke at 10:30pm last night I got him out for a gentle cuddle. He was happy to be held and was keen to scamper around as usual. He was limping but putting weight on his leg (no longer dragging it behind him). Although, I wanted him to rest it, returning him to his cage, because something isn't right. I have moved food and water closer to his house as advised and I'm hoping to get a vet appointment for tomorrow. Today he's been sleeping all day which is usual with a bit of sleep eating in-between.

I feel terrible he's hurt. I thought I was doing the right thing by giving him some freedom. He loves to climb!
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Old 05-28-2020, 08:52 AM   #4
Creampuff
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Default Re: I think my hamster has broken it’s leg

Hi!

I had the same thing happen to my hamster a while ago. She jumped from my hands (she had just escaped) and fell on the floor. She was dragging her leg behind her. I thought it was broken, so I took out the wheel and the ramp leading up to her platform. We took her to the vet, and turns out it was not broken, it was just nerve damage (she regained all of her nerves back and is climbing again! My hamster is super active and loves to climb too). The vet gave her some pain meds and something else that I don't remember what it was (this was a few months ago).
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Old 05-28-2020, 09:23 AM   #5
Pebbles82
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Default Re: I think my hamster has broken it’s leg

I think it would be good to get a vet check as it could be a number of things - a back injury can cause problems with back legs as well. Although you didn’t mention if it was front or back.

Yes free roaming is good for them, but heights aren’t. They climb up and can’t get down again so they drop and can get injured. So best to supervise feee roaming, make sure the room is hamster proof. A room with floorboards is rarely hamster proof unless you have very well fitted carpets and even then there can be a hole round a radiator pipe they could squeeze through. Thirty odd years ago I didn’t know much about things and we had a hamster that used to climb the curtains to the top. I shudder to think now! But he survived amazingly.

Of course if you block off an area they try even harder to get there! Contrary. But maybe try blocking the gap to the back of the bookcase. I have one corner of our lounge fenced off by a piece of hamster playpen (wood) and a lap cushion wedged behind it. They could probably get over the cushion if trying hard enough so I just watch and keep an eye on things.

You could even set up a large playpen area which is popular on here - and put a spare wheel and some toys in and hide treats. He’d probably enjoy that but might want to be out after a while if he’s used to free roaming.
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Old 05-28-2020, 09:24 AM   #6
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Default Re: I think my hamster has broken it’s leg

Hopefully it’s nothing too serious.
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Old 05-31-2020, 04:20 PM   #7
Thin Lizzy
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Default Re: I think my hamster has broken it’s leg

Definitely book an appointment with the vet, this will put your mind at ease. You may have to wait a while for an appointment due to covid19 so until you get an appointment be sure to check his leg few times a day. Hope he's OK.
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Old 06-01-2020, 08:59 AM   #8
Jingles
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Default Re: I think my hamster has broken it’s leg

Thank you for your replies. I took him to the vets and he thought it wasn't broken. He didn't want to risk putting him under anesthetic and prescribed pain medication. That's seems to have worked as over a week later now he still has a slight limp but is happily putting weight on it when he runs about. If anything it has made him more keen to sit and have a cuddle. Such a relief as he really scared me. I think he must have hurt himself in the same way as Creampuff described.
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Old 06-01-2020, 10:04 AM   #9
Creampuff
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Default Re: I think my hamster has broken it’s leg

I'm glad your hamster is doing better, Jingles!!
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Old 06-01-2020, 02:52 PM   #10
Josie
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Default Re: I think my hamster has broken it’s leg

Good to hear that your Hamster is doing well, always a shock when our little furballs get an injury
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