HELP! What to do for a broken legged hamster when there is no vet available!?

Question

The poor little guy just fell from a bunk bed and now he's dragging one hind leg with a little blood on it (and chewing at it when he's awake). I did not see the accident happen, but I think he would have fallen onto fairly thick carpet below, or he'd likely be injured worse. He seems okay otherwise, as far as I can see, but I'm not a vet, and have only had the hamster a day. The vet's offices and pet store are closed for the long weekend (which just started). Does anyone know FROM EXPERIENCE the best way to deal with this? Links to articles would be helpful, too. I'm not having much luck finding anything to helpful online. Are there painkillers for hamsters? Should I splint it? Solutions to help it heal properly?
What do I watch for? Etc.....

We are all terribly distraught about this (especially the youngster that made the mistake) and are reconsidering even owning a pet since even a hamster can cause this much sadness upon injury! Help for sadness???

Thanks in advance

Thanks to all.... I did get ahold of a vet on call... her advice was basically to euthanize him if to avoid suffering. I'm not ready to do to him that at this point. Our little guy is resting now after he drank a lot of water earlier. He seems to hobble around when needed, and otherwise looks like he's okay.
We live in a pretty small city... no such thing as a Pet Smart or Petco around here, I'm afraid. Just one small pet store. Closest large city is more than a couple hours away. Oh well.... we'll do the best we can.

Answer 1

Why is this a long weekend? Don't you have emergency vets in your town. The hamster is really to small to self treat at this point. If you put any type of a bandage on it will just chew it off.

Anyway, it should be ok till you get to a vet, but leave it in its cage, make sure it is eating and has plenty of water. Check on it often, you check, not your children, to make sure it is ok. When I say not your children; if something does go wrong better you find out first.

Tell the youngster who made the "mistake" not to dwell on it, just to be helpful in getting the hamster well. I'm sure the lesson has been learned not to put it in the upper bunk. Animals that small should only be played with on the floor.

As for the sadness, don't dwell on this, just make it better. I have worked with animals for over 40 years and I still make "mistakes" It hurts your heart, but time takes care of everything.

Since I already know you have children then I know you have made "mistakes" there also, and I also know that things worked out ok.

Try not to fret to much and don't let this stop you from having an animal in your life.

Answer 2

Your vet's office should have an emergency number to call in the event of an after hours emergency. Hamsters can die quite easily from shock, so you should keep the hamster in a quiet, dark spot. Call the emergency number you will get if you call the vet's number and they should be able to help you.

Answer 3

If he's bleeding then make sure to put pressure to it until it stops! hamsters can die easily of blood loss. also i would wrap the leg in some cloth or something until you can take him to a vet. make sure he doesn't over-exhert himself (i.e. don't take him out and play with him lol.) Petsmart or petco usually has a vet in the store. i would call them and find out.

Answer 4

Most likely, he will just heal on his own. It's better to keep him in a cage if you can afford one.......this way, you can be sure he is safe all the time. I know it might seem cruel to do this, but he is really better off, and you can buy toys for him to play with in his cage, and still be able to watch him when you want to, and make sure he is safe when you can't.

Answer 5

sorry, but i don't have any experience with broken legs, but I would go to the nearest Petco or Petsmart and ask them what to do. They might have painkillers. here's a link:
http://www.petwebsite.com/health.htm

Answer 6

If he seems in that much pain you could suffocate him or hit him over the head with a hard object.If not let him live.