Hamsters

Most minor grazes can be treated by being gently cleaned, using a cotton bud dipped in salty water (tap water and rock salt). However more serious injuries such as cuts must be looked at and treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent infection and abscesses. Try and keep the wound as clean as possible until you go to the vet. Hamsters have very fine bones which can easily fracture, including their skull. Blood in the nose or ears could mean your pet has hurt its head badly. If you believe your pet has suffered a broken or fractured bone, or if you see blood in the urine, phone your vet immediately. Your vet may advise you to bring your pet in as soon as possible for stabilization and pain relief. In the meantime, keep it in a darkened and quiet area. It will feel more safe and relaxed in a dark enclosed space, such as its traveling box lined with soft bedding. Teeth Keep a close check on your hamster’s teeth to make sure they do not grow too long or are misaligned. This can indicate a variety of possible problems, including inadequate diet, fractured teeth from a fall, abscesses, or some other illness. If your hamster is having difficulty eating (this is one reason to check its weight weekly), you need to take it to the vet.

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Hamsters