Fractures in Hamsters

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Broken Bones in Hamsters

Fractures, more commonly known as broken bones, are actually quite common in hamsters. They mainly occur due to accidents such as improper handling of the animal or when a hamster tries to dislodge its leg from the cage's wire mesh or exercise wheel.

Because hamsters are very small, broken bones are difficult to treat. However, healing of fractures in hamsters is quite easy, but the hamster should be properly restrained and given adequate rest to ensure complete healing.

Symptoms

In addition to exhibiting severe pain and refusing to move -- on account of the pressure and pain when attempting to manipulate the bone -- the hamster may display the following symptoms:

• Swelling in or around the fractured area
• Crackling or popping sound from the fractured area (due to rubbing between the broken ends of the bone)
• An open wound through which the broken end of the bone has pierced out (very rare)

Causes

Typically, bone fractures in hamsters occur due to accidents such as improper handling and trapped legs, often in the cage's wire mesh or exercise wheel. However, some nutritional disorders like calcium and phosphorus imbalances may also make the bone more brittle and prone to fractures.

Diagnosis

The clinical signs observed can help in making a diagnosis of broken bone. Occasionally, your veterinarian will want to confirm his or her suspicions by taking an X-ray of the affected area.