Poor Rhino!

Question
Hi Sheila. I have had my hamster now for about a year. He is a Roborovski Dwarf. Last week I got him a little girlfriend who is also a dwarf but not a Roborovski. Not sure which kind she is. But they got along fine and now were pretty sure she is pregnant. They got into a fight last night because Rhino went up in her stop of the cage where she was prepping for her pregnancy. She ended up tearing off his nose :( and it was bleeding very bad. I actually drove an hour to take him to a 24 hour veterinarian. Along with the nose wound his foot also got injured a little. They also found what they said we an old wound on his belly and is bruised. They gave me an antibiotic to give him every 12 hours for the next 7 days. He doesn't seem to be eating, drinking, or playing much at all. They glued his nose back on at the vet since it was hanging off which is now doing again. I wanted to take him back because I feel so bad for the little guy and because I  can hear that he's having a hard time breathing, but I have absolutely no money, I spent it all at the vet last night! So if you have any suggestion on maybe some stuff to feed him and help him heal or anything please let me know. I'm sorry this was so long, hope to hear from you soon. Thank you.
-Leanne

Answer
Hi Leanne

Sorry to hear about Rhino.  Firstly, it is very dangerous mating different types of hamsters.  I have never heard of anyone risking mating a robo with another dwarf.  I know there are often problems if you accidentally mate a winter white with a campbell in that the female can't always give birth easily and there can be problems with the litter, but I think you should prepare yourself that there could be problems with your female or her litter.

Regarding Rhino - I once  had a Syrian who had her nose ripped off.  It was ok, but looked odd (it wasn't stuck back on# and she often had snuffly problems, but she didn't seem to be bothered by it.  In terms of Rhino, did your vet say it was ok to bathe the nose?  It is important that the area is kept clean, especially if he is rubbing it as this may cause it to bleed or infect.  You may just have to wait for the antibiotics to kick in but it might be worth at least phoning the vet to discuss if you are still worried.  Check to see if you can bathe in salt water or use an antiseptic such as teatree cream #you buy it in pet shops and it is a natural antiseptic).

I suspect Rhino is in shock and would have lost fluids during the attack and from his injuries.  If you buy a packet of oral rehydration powders and mix up with water as per the instructions, then try to give him some through a dropper. You can also put it in his water bottle.  if he won't take it you can add a few drops of blackcurrant juice to sweeten it but some varieties are flavored.  It would also be worth giving him some baby food - i keep a packet of powdered creamy porridge oats for elderly or sick hamsters as it gives them extra nutrients and it is easy for them to eat.  if you mix a little with water.  Also give his usual hamster food, along with a little cheese or cooked egg to try and tempt him to eat.

When he recovers from this I strongly advise that you don't try to introduce him to another hamster.  You might find that you have to win his confidence as this has probably taken a bit of a battering.

I hope he is OK - but I am sure the vet will be able to advise you over the phone so that you don't incur more expenses.

Regards
Sheila