hamster leg

Question
two days ago my syrian hamster had a nasty fall and since he fell I have seen him dragging his left back leg and occasionaly he squeals in pain he also lifts the leg in the air sometimes. could this be something like a sprain or broken leg.

Answer
Hi Ben

Hamsters can break their legs.  There isn't much that can be done about this and there is also a debate as to what should be done.  The most important thing is that if it is broken it isn't setting awkwardly and affecting his blood supply which might result in amputation.  A vet would need to be consulted with regard to this.

The main thing you need to do immediately is to remove his wheel and any platforms.  If you've got a tank you can put him in (rather than a cage) then this would be better as he won't be able to climb. Don't worry if you can't do this - your hamster will soon learn that he can't climb the bars - if he is still in a cage put in deeper bedding so he doesn't injure himself again. Also make sure his food and water supply are closeby so he doesn't have to go far for them. A fracture takes about 4-5 weeks to heal and during this time it is important the hamster doesn't damage it further.  The debate is over whether or not to give pain relief - if you give pain relief the hamster will use his leg more and runs the risk of further damage, whereas if you don't give pain relief, then he will quickly learn he can't use his leg for the time being.  This is something you need to discuss with your vet.  

In my experience of having a few with broken legs, they usually heal normally without any medical intervention and the hamster isn't affected in the long term with them - however, I've had a hamster in the past who dragged her leg all her life as she must have broken it as a baby and it healed badly.  She never seemed bothered by this.  

Once the leg is healed your hamster can have his wheel back and relocate back to his cage (if you've moved him).

Good luck with this.