AboutSheila Adby Expertise Syrian hamsters are my specialty, however, I have kept Campbells,Winter Whites and gerbils in the past. I can advise on most subjects associated with hamsters, including housing, bedding, feeding, handling, new borns and catching escapees. I have had some experience of various health problems with hamsters and can offer my opinion and advice on basic health issues, however I am not a qualified vet and therefore cannot recommend drugs etc. My website is www.thehamstersite.com
Experience I have been keeping hamsters and other small animals for more than 12 years. My favourites are Syrian hamsters and I foster litters and 'difficult' hamsters for a rescue centre. My job is to tame hamsters ready for re-homing, which is extremely rewarding. I also enjoy looking after new litters and raising the pups. I have co-written a book on hamsters with my local vet and have a website: www.thehamstersite.com
Publications Hamsters in Sickness and in Health - Sheila Adby and Dan O'Neill ISBN186163218-5 (Capall Bann Publishing)
Education/Credentials Educated to A Level standard in the UK.
Question Dear Sheila,
Nice to meet you. I really hope to get a little advice on my current situation. I have a pair of male Dwarf hammies, Munchy and Cheeky. Munchy is absolutely hyperactive with a tendency to nip, while Cheeky is the complete opposite, he's so docile and friendly to people. I've just purchased them around 6 weeks ago, and they seemed to get along quite well.
However, just this morning I noticed that Munchy is bleeding. After quite some troubles, I managed to lift him off of the cage and saw a wound around his penis area. Worse, it was a bit swollen and red already. It was such a shock since last night he was still completely OK. The bleeding wasn't copious, but enough to leave faint traces of blood.
I immediately quarantined him in a separate cage, with beddings of clean old T-shirt and soft tissue papers. Then I put some diluted betadine on his wound to prevent infection. During noon he seemed weak and sick, and it saddened me so much. But tonight he seemed to be back to his usual good mood, running on a wheel, climbing the cage and eating and drinking, although in small amounts. He was still not as hyperactive as he used to be, though. The bleeding had stopped and the swelling lessened much, but I'm still worried, since he licked and licked his wound. What do you think I can do to help hasten the healing process? And is it necessary to bandage the wound, if yes then with what?
Thanks so much.
Answer Hi
I’m sorry to hear about your hamster. The unfortunate thing with dwarf hamsters is that they can turn on each other very suddenly. Now that you have separated them you will not be able to put them back together in the same cage, I’m afraid.
Regarding your hamster’s injuries – if they infect then he will need antibiotics and these (as far as I’m aware) can only be prescribed by a vet. However, it would be worth making up some boiled salt water – make sure it is cool enough before you apply. Alternatively you can buy a natural antiseptic cream that is designed for pets – Teatree cream. This is available in pet shops or perhaps on-line. As he is licking his wounds it is important that anything you apply is safe for a small animal. The salt should help kill any infection. If the area is itchy rather than painful, then you could use aloe vera – you can get some that is for animals.
If there is any sign of pus then you know it has infected and antibiotics would probably be the best route.
