my hamster wont eat,drink, and isnt walking properly

Question
Hi Sheila its me again Aoife
My hamster is two in a few weeks so he is old
He has not been walking right and is on his side when trying to walk. I think he has broken his leg its thin weak and purple.
I think he in pain he has not been eating or drinking.
Im very stressed about it and im afraid hes going to die.And I love him soooooo much.
He is a boy and around his bottom is green.
So I presume he is dehydrated. He has just recovered from a sticky eye.
Im worried he is going to die.
I hope you can help me
         Thanks again,
         Aoife.

Answer
Hi Aoife

Thanks for your question - I'm really sorry to hear that your hamster isn't at all well.

I really think that he needs to see a vet.  It sounds as though he is in a lot of pain.  If his leg is broken, often bones heal on their own, but if his leg is purple then his circulation is poor and chances are he will lose his leg.

I suggest you phone a few vets to find one who specialises in small animals and try to get him there as quickly as possible.  They will be able to examine the leg and check the circulation, and give him pain relief.  Due to his age they probably won't want to operate, but at least they can advise you on this.

I appreciate that you love him so much, but really he needs to see a vet out of love so that he doesn't suffer at all.  I don't honestly think his condition is such that you can treat him as he needs drugs that are only available through a vet.  If his condition is really poor and the prognosis is bad, then your vet may advise that you euthanase - I know this is hard, as I have been through this situation many times in the past and it never gets any easier, but the last thing you want is this little chap being in pain.  It is much kinder to put an animal to sleep if there is no hope of recovery and if they have no quality of life. However, hopefully the vet will be able to give him some medication to help him.

Regards
Sheila