©
sparquay
 As painful as this
might sound, hamsters may suffer from broken limbs. It's very hard for
both
hamster and hamster owner, so it should be avoid, taking all the
precaution methods. In this moments, a first
aid kit for your
hamster is very useful.
 How to prevent
broken limbs:
* carefully handle
your hamster. Make sure that, in
case he intends to jump or
escape from
your "powerful" grip, he won't hurt himself. Try handling him by
sitting in the bed, couch, on the floor or however you consider that is
comfy. Remeber that hamsters have very poor eyesight
so they do not
know if there are 0.5 meters (1.64 feets) or 5 meters (16.4)  !
They just jump...
* be careful
when the hamster is
handled by children.We
all know how children are...And we know
how hamsters are too... So we have to watch these pesky kids (yep, I am
talking about hamsters, too). Hamsters are very quik and they tend to
escapevery quicly when handled by little kids.
* tell eveyone in the house that the
hamster is running in his ball. Sometimes, people aren't
aware
that a hamster is in it and they kick it. Check to see that your
hamster doesn't have any access to staires, steps, basements, pool (it
sounds silly but it wiser to prevent).
©
hesedetang *
* buy a plastic wheel for your
hamster.
Avoid wire ones because those are vey dangerous
because the tiny
hamster can get his foot stuck between the bars!
* try not to let him wonder around
in
the house.You can accidentally hit him with the door,
step on
him, or he can just be unlucky and something may fall on him, causing a
very bad injury. Hamsters are smart rodents and if they run in the
house they will easily find their way out. I am sure you don't want
that so NEVER let your hamster run in the
house without supervising him.
Symptoms of a broken
bone: limping, not using
one leg (or more), laying on one side,
slow moving or unable to move, bone poking the skin (severe cases),
dragging one foot, totally or partially paralysed.
What to do if your hamster has a
broken limb(or you suspect so):
*
examine your hamster
carefully. Did the bone
penetrate the skin?
*
if so, take your
hamster to the vet IMMEDIATELY as he will need antibiotics treatment to
prevent any futher infections. Meloxicam and
carprofen are some pain
medication that are prescribed in such cases. A splint would be aplied
to allow the bone to heal properly..
*
if you don't see the
bone poking the skin, your hamster is very lucky! He will need
home
treatment (yep, you will be his nurse and guiding angel ),
because
no vet can treat a hamster broken limb.With proper care and devotion
from you, he will recover all by himself and the broken limb will be
just a bad nightmare.
* remove the wheel
from he hamster's cage, along with all his toys, ladders etc. If you
have a cage with multiple levels, remove them as well. Don't put your
hamster in his play ball for at least 2 weeks! All these precaution
measures will help your hamster to recover the broken limb, by reducing
all activities that require effort.
* lower the water bottle to
make it
easier for your hamster to reach it.
* was the hamster
living in with other hamsters? It is better if you let him alone in a
cage, to recover in peace.
* if posibble, move
the hamster to an aquarium or a bin. This will stop him from
climbing
on the bars as usual.
* provide plenty of
fresh bedding for your
hamster to help him feel comfortable.
* feed your hamster
small amounts of bread
soaked in a bit of milk or dog biscuits. These two are very high
in Calcium and they will help your hamster to heal the wounded bone
easier and quicker.
* spoil him. Give your
hamster
treats, chew food, or any food he enjoys. Also, supply him with
fresh water and food.
* your hamster's leg
should be up and running in about 2 weeks. Sometimes, depending on the
severity of the affection, the hamster might end with a small limp. But
the little one doesn't seem to be bother by this and he keeps his
habits of running and digging.
 Choose your vet
wisely! Ask him if he has treated hamsters before. If he says a few,
avoid going to him. Hamsters are tiny creatures and require special
attention and care!
|
Dwarf
Hamster Owners Click Here!
Home(the bungalow)
Hamster intro
Buying a
hamster
Hamster names
Hamster
health
Fun & Games
Contact me
Links
& Resources
Sitemap
Want
to buy a dwarf hamster or got one already? Here is something useful
Hamster
Bungalow Shop-o-rama |
