Hamster has broken back

Question
I have a 6 month old hamster named Evan who had gotten out of her cage and fell to the floor this evening. when I picked her up I noticed she was not moving her hind legs. I observed her for awhile and noticed that she was quit active and did not seem to be in any pain. I am suspecting she may have broken her back.  but I am unsure as when I touch her feet she draw's them in and when she tries to walk they slowly move. I am unable to take her to the vet as none of them are open till tomorrow morning. What I was wondering does this should like a broken back to you? and what should I do to keep her comfortable until I can get her into to see the vet.

Thank you for your time, It is much appreciated.

Stormy

Answer
Hi Stormy

I'm sorry to hear about your hamster.

It could be that she has just bruised herself.  I would think that if the back were actually broken she wouldn't be able to move her feet at all.

I would suggest making her cage more accessible for her - if there are platforms or tubes, then remove these.  Try and make her home a one level cage so that she doesn't climb.  Also, remove her wheel.  If there is any sort of injury you don't want her making it worse by climbing or having to walk in search of food.  Make sure her food and water is close by.  If you take her to a vet they might prescribe an anti-inflammatory to help relieve any pain.  I would imagine they will be able to tell just by examining her if there is any likelihood of the back being broken rather than you having the huge expense of her having an x-ray.  I would be reluctant to agree to an x-ray as there may be little to gain but this is something you would need to discuss with your vet should they suggest it.

If this is just bruising/sprain, then it should heal on its own in time and you should notice an improvement over the next few days.  If she has broken a leg, then again this usually heals if you confine the hamster to a single level cage with no wheel for a couple of weeks.  If there is a more serious injury - i.e. she has broken her back then it would be a case of determining how much damage there is, if she will be able to use both legs, if she can go to the toilet etc. If her quality of life is going to be affected then euthanasia might be the kindest option.  If just one leg has been affected, then sometimes the hamster can drag a leg round (I had one with a leg that wouldn't work and she was fine - she just wasn't allowed a wheel in her cage but instead used to come out for a run in her exercise ball), or the vet can amputate the leg (I've had several 3-legged hamsters - again they can't have a wheel because of the repetitive movement, but other forms of exercise can be introduced.  The fact that she reacts when you touch her feet and she tries to move them is very encouraging so hopefully there is no permanent damage.  Rest is probably the greatest healer right now.

I hope she is OK.

Regards