Swollen Hand

Question
My hamster recently got in a fight with another hamster(I don't know how he passed the divider) and his hand is now all swollen and he can't walk on it or climb. I don't know how that happened; perhaps his hand got bitten. Is there something I can do to reduce the swolling and the pain? Thanks.

Answer
It may be just the bite, but if theres no bite mark with the swelling, it wouldn't be that. My guess is one of the bones in the hamsters paw is broken. This would cause swelling and the hamster would resist using it. I would take the hamster to a vet so they may instruct you further. They may bandage the hand to make a makeshift splint while the bone heals, I would tell you to do that, but I'd rather be on the safe side. If you don't want to physicaly bring the hamster down to the vet, give them a call and see if they can walk you through it. Good luck!