Syrian has crooked foot! Please help!

Biscuit123 · 08-11-2018, 10:56 AM

Help! I have a male Syrian I got from petsmart I took him into his playpen for the first time and realized his foot was crooked. It's on the back left foot. I don't think it's causing him any pain as he's not limping. Is this just a birth defect? Should I be worried?

dreamtree1234 · 08-11-2018, 11:27 AM

I'm sorry that your darling hammy has a crooked foot. I would suggest you taking him to the vet just to be sure that he will be alright. Hammies are excellent at hiding their discomfort or any potential health issues since they are prey animals that try their best not to appear vulnerable to any potential predators in the wild. As a result, I always think it is much better to be thoroughly sure and have him be seen by a vet rather than wonder what could have caused this and whether there may be anything that you can do to help make his life easier due to his crooked foot. It could have been a result of a birth defect or possibly an injury that he sustained while in the pet store or since he came home with you. I'm so sorry that I could not be of any more help. I will be wishing you and your little Syrian ham all the best though. Good luck and keep us updated if you have the chance.

souffle · 08-11-2018, 11:49 AM

It may well have happened inthe nest when he was a baby. It sounds as if it could have been broken and then set again but crooked. If the foot is being used and he doesn't seem to be having problems using it then I would likely wait and see till he settles. If it seems loose or wobbly or is swollen and red then he would need seen by the vets. He sounds to have learnt to live with his unique little foot. It just makes him all the more special

Biscuit123 · 08-11-2018, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamtree1234

I'm sorry that your darling hammy has a crooked foot. I would suggest you taking him to the vet just to be sure that he will be alright. Hammies are excellent at hiding their discomfort or any potential health issues since they are prey animals that try their best not to appear vulnerable to any potential predators in the wild. As a result, I always think it is much better to be thoroughly sure and have him be seen by a vet rather than wonder what could have caused this and whether there may be anything that you can do to help make his life easier due to his crooked foot. It could have been a result of a birth defect or possibly an injury that he sustained while in the pet store or since he came home with you. I'm so sorry that I could not be of any more help. I will be wishing you and your little Syrian ham all the best though. Good luck and keep us updated if you have the chance.

I will keep y'all updated!

Biscuit123 · 08-11-2018, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by souffle

It may well have happened inthe nest when he was a baby. It sounds as if it could have been broken and then set again but crooked. If the foot is being used and he doesn't seem to be having problems using it then I would likely wait and see till he settles. If it seems loose or wobbly or is swollen and red then he would need seen by the vets. He sounds to have learnt to live with his unique little foot. It just makes him all the more special

I've had him for ten days... he is settled.