hamsters attacked each other

Question
I feel like the worst "animal parent" alive!! I accidentally left the lid of the
hamster cage off. I have two hamsters, both are male and are housed
separately but within the same unit. There are bars between them and the lid
goes to both sections. The lid was left off on accident...I had been feeding
them and was also talking with my husband in a lively conversation and went
to put their food up and walked off, totally forgetting the lid! They were born
together, are brothers...but we separated them soon after getting them for
fighting. They were very young when the fighting began. They are VERY loved
and spoiled hamsters, have lots of time with humans, a wheel, outside cage
time, treats, etc. I love them so much and I just cried when I saw the grisly
attack! I kept hearing noises from the cage area...it took me a while to
register what was happening and then I raced in there and sure enough, the
lid was off!! NO!! They had been at it a while. The bigger male is obviously
dominant and had very little damage, one small gash by his mouth and a
bloody foot. The other hamster was severely damaged. He has a very gaping
wound under his chin, blood everywhere, skin almost ripped off and a
horrible bleeding area on his back leg. He is in a lot of pain. I managed to get
some neosporin on his chin and put him back. It's the weekend and I cannot
get to a vet now until Monday morning. I was just wondering if you can tell
me what to do to help him further or tell me if he'll survive his wounds?
Thanks!  

Answer
Hi Jenn,

I am so very sorry to hear about your case. The stress going through this time is unbearable. I believe your hamster will in fact survive until Monday as long as you take him the minute they open. I would definitely keep a close eye on him and make sure he is not flipping out, possibly having a seizure. It's great you put Neosporin on the chin but I cannot think of more of a way for you to help him. I would most definitely make sure the lid is closed, for next time it will be his life. You can try to put a little on his back leg as well as it may cool down the pain. You may even want to put it on the larger male, however if it gets to close to his mouth, he can eat it and get poisoned. I wish I could help you further but I think you're taking good steps. I hope everything works out for you. GOOD LUCK!


Regards,
Sam