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Hamster dragging his back legs

21 13:28:57

Question
---Hi there, thanks but there are no vets open at this time unless I pay $180.00 emergency fee.  Timbit the hamster is now using his back right leg, but not walking on it yet, do you think this could be shock as well, I will be watching him closely and will look into getting an acquarium but I have the issue of 3 kids age 3, 5 7 years old always trying to pick them up so i need a cage that locks well with no openings.  What is your advice now about Timbit and the cage issue. Thanks again,
Christine

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Followup To
Question -
I have a male hamster around 10-12 weeks old, and he first fell from a desk, somehow got out of a small hole in the cage door which was locked and then was likely roled around by my small 12 pound dog.  He now drags his hind legs, and is very sleepy (this occured 20 minutes ago). He does not appear to be in pain but I don't know how hamsters show pain.  What should I do, I am so upset as we just recently lost 2 other hamsters (one down an air vent and the other in a similar accident as mentioned above.  Please help
Answer -
Hi Christine,

All i can suggest is that you take him to a Vet as soon as possible. I would also suggest sense this has happened before that instead of those cute cages with the tubes and stuff that you get something like a 10 gallon fish tank with a lid specially made for small pets.

Thank you for your question and I hope your little hamster will be alright!

Answer
Hi Christine,

It could be shock. Glad to hear that you will be watching him closely. If he doesen't get any better over the weekend I would take him to the Vet come Monday if possible. As far as the cage, try putting it in a higher place if possible and try explaining to the 5 and 7 year old that little Timbit is very fragile and they should not try picking him up without an adult present cause he could be hurt or worse. In my experience the glass tanks with a mesh lid are the best as long as they are not placed by a window or in direct sunlight. The cages with tubes on them, to me, are dangerous to hamsters cause they have poor ventilation in the tubes and the hamster could suffocate.

Thank you again and I hope for the best for Timbit!