Is there a Vet in the House?

[Jameslovell]

Hi all

I'm after a little bit of advise from a Vet if there is one around.
My OH and I were out most of yesterday and when we came back we found one of our hamsters, Dominic, dragging one of his back legs. He had been sat cleaning his bottom when we got in and seems to be making it very sore as he would jump every now and then.

We removed all his toys etc from the cage and cleaned him out. He now only has his house without a roof so he can't climb on it, a food bowl and his water bottle on the side.

We took him into the bedroom last night and I kept checking on him through the night. He seems ok, just walking funny because of his back leg. This morning he seems more lively and playful, but still is dragging his leg most of the time. He does walk on his foot sometimes, but seems reluctant to put weight on it.

I did the worst thing possible last night, i google'd the problem and came back with a whole list of problems. Most of which say I should take him to a Vet. I can't find a Vet open today but am worried about our little man. Any advise on what to look out for or do would be greatly appreciated.

James

[Cloud]

You don't say how old he is.

[lynda66]

i had a similar problem with a hamster years ago, he caught his leg in an open wheel, i took him to the vets who basically said it will get better eventually ....... they don't seem to want to do much for little pets, and charge you a fortune to tell you theres not much they can do .... hamsters are very resilient, and it healed in a couple of weeks.

hope he feels better soon xx

[Jameslovell]

He is about 2 years old. In a couple of weeks we will have had him 2 years. Guess he was about 6 weeks old when we got him.

[Cloud]

Could it be arthritis or similar?

[Jameslovell]

It could be. I really don't know. I know he is getting on a bit now, so could be any number of age related problems. I think I will just keep an eye on him over the next few days.

[Cloud]

Don't want to be a doom and gloom merchant but I had a hamster last year who was about the same age and the same thing happened to him.He then lost the use of both back legs and then a week later he died.

[FionaH]

Unless you are very rich I wouldnt suggest taking him to a vets on a sunday! If it is a strain or sprain it will get better with time and rest. Good luck

[SueA]

Hope 'Dominic's' feeling better James. He probably did catch his leg in something & has made it worse by overgrooming it. Can you see if there's any cut on his leg? If there is maybe you could bathe it with some lukewarm water to soothe it for him.

[jackie j]

I know its not the same animal but one of our guinea pigs was doing this and he had an abcess once this was sorted by a vet she was running around and was ok.
hope the hamster is ok.

[HeyWayne]

Hope Dom gets better soon James, fingers crossed for ya dude.

[Jameslovell]

Dom seems to be getting better. He is walking on his foot again. Seems a little unsteady but better than yesterday and loads better that Sat. Fingers crossed for a full recovery.

ATM he is hanging from the roof of his cage swinging like a monkey. LOL

[Jameslovell]

Thanks to all the well-wishers for the help and advise.

[lynda66]

ATM he is hanging from the roof of his cage swinging like a monkey. LOL

he probably hurt it doing that and falling on something in the first place, glad he's on the mend

[Headfry]

James hi, how is your hamster? better I hope