Ailments and Injuries

 

Hamsters are strong little creatures, but they have very delicate bodies that need to be taken care of. If not careful, hamsters can end up with broken bones, infections, etc. It is very important that we watch out for our pets and that we know what to look for if our pets are injured.

 

Tumors:

Unfortunately tumors are very common among hamsters (usually Syrians). Since hamsters are small, they have very fast metabolism which causes tumors to grow and harm them very quickly. Since a hamster's food pouches go all the way to their shoulder blades, tumors are sometimes mistaken for food in the food pouches. A tumor in/on a hamster feels like a human cheek full of air. I know that is a strange comparison, but in reality a tumor feels exactly the same. Try it, puff out your cheeks, and fill them with air. Then touch your cheeks, a tumor in a hamster feels exactly like that. That is what helped me figure out whether my hamster had a tumor or not. Some tumors are cancerous, and others are not. I had a hamster whose tumor grew so large that it took up one side of his body. Yet he lived for many months because his tumor was not cancerous. I know some families are not willing to pay for a vet to perform surgery on their hamster. I'm very sorry to say, that there is no other way to overcome a tumor. (Well, God is able to heal). So if you don't have the money for surgery, then just make your hamster as comfortable as possible and give him/her lots of love. Or you could have your hamster put down. That is what I did because I couldn't bear to see my hamster suffer day after day, any longer. (R.I.P Cody <3) That is another option that I would suggest because you can assure your hamster's comfort and peaceful passing. 

 

Broken Bones:

There's not much you can do about a broken bone on your own, but there are many thing you can to to prevent that from happening. Keep your hamster in a non-wire cage so they can't climb, and fall. Have a solid wheel, not mesh or wire, so feet don't get stuck. Don't give your hamster any toys where they could possibly fall off. Also, during playtime, keep your hamster on the ground, so they don't have the possibility of falling off of anything. Note: Do not stand while holding your hamster (especially if there is a lack of trust between you and the hamster) just in case they get scared and jump. If your hamster does end up with a broken bone, I'm very sorry to say there's not much you can do. Hamsters are far too small to put a cast on. So the only thing you can do is take your hamster to the vet, and ask him/her what is best for your hamster. Unforutnately, sometimes the best thing you can do is put your hamster down. I know it is hard, I've said goodbye to my hamster through euthinizacation, and it takes awhile for your heart to heal. But always remember owning a hamster is about the hamster, not the human. Do what is best for your pet. 

 

Bumble Foot:

Bumble foot is a dreadful infection mainly caused by a non-solid running surface. Such as wire, and mesh wheels. These wheels are very irritating to a hamster's paws and can cause an infection, such as bumble foot. When a hamster has bumble foot, the foot becomes swollen and red, and will even pus. It is not pleasant at all for the hamster or human. Immediately remove the wheel and replace with a solid wheel (Wodent wheel, Comfort wheel, Silent Spinner). Dab the foot with a q-tip or cotton ball in saline or antibiotic solution, or anything prescribed by your vet. But I suggest taking your hamster to the vet to get professional help, this is far more reliable. This only happens in extreme cases but if the infection gets deep into the bone in can cause loss of the limb or blood poisoning, so it is very important that this gets treated.

 

I'm aware that there are many other injuries that could possibly happen, however these are the most common. Never underestimate a vet, they are professionals, and if you are really commited to taking care ofyour hamster correctly then you must take action.