Hamster with a broken leg

Question
My brother has a hamster that he got in January of this year.She is a dwarf hamster but lives in a wire cage. The wires are the horizontal kind and she very much enjoys climbing on them. However, I recently noticed that she drags her back leg. When I looked at it, the foot seemed to be completely broken off. It just hangs there. I realize nothing can be done to heal it and it's been this way for a few weeks. My little brother is convinced that it's his fault the hamster is hurt. She doesn't seem to be in any pain, just the leg seems really red. The bone has not punctured the skin,and she is still very lively. She can't die from this, right? Will she bite off the leg? (I've heard they do that.)What can I do to help the situation?  

Answer
Hi Ashley,

  Sometimes hamsters will chew off a leg that is not working, but not always.  A hamster can die from this if the leg gets infection in it (signs are redness, swelling and feeling inflamed (hot)to the touch) and is not treated. With your brothers hamsters leg being really red, I Would suggest taking her to the vet, or talking with one, as this could be a sign of infection.
  If you have anymore questions, please write again.

Thank you for writing and best of luck!