Hamster Foot

Question
My hamster escaped for about 3 weeks.  I finally caught him in a bucket, but he was favoring one back foot.  He slept for about 3 days after I caught him and today is the first time I've seen him move about.  His hurt foot looks like it's almost turned back, and he is not using it at all.  I'm really worried about him, but I wonder if it might almost be too late, seeing the state of his foot.  He's moving around fairly well, and doesn't appear to act sickly, because he's going for his treats.  Please let me know what you think the problem is.... Thanks!

Meghan

Answer
Hi Meghan,

     It sounds like he may have broken his leg and given time the leg will usually heal on its own, but since his leg looks like it is almost turned back, it defiantly wont heal right (he may not even be able to use it again) and the hamster may even chew it off (which is normal).
    Should he chew it off or if the leg/foot becomes red, swollen and/or inflamed, he should be seen by a vet for these are signs of infection. I would suggest removing his wheel and if he is in a wire cage, he should be put in an aquarium. The use of the wheel and climbing the cage (if he does) will only aggravate the problem more.
    If you have anymore questions, please write again.

Thank you for writing!