First Aid for Hamster's Injured Paws: Quick Tips!
Section 1: Causes of Hamster Claws Injuries
Hamsters are prone to injuries on their paws when they fall from heights, or when their toes get caught in the crevices of running wheels or cage bars. Some may also have their toes entangled in items like cotton, leading to claw injuries. Neglecting to regularly trim a hamster's nails can result in overgrown claws that may inadvertently scratch the hamster's own paws.
Section 2: What to Do When Hamster Claws Are Injured
1. When a hamster's paw is injured, the first step is to inspect for bleeding. If there is a wound, immediate first aid is necessary. Use a cotton swab dipped in saline solution to clean the wound and surrounding area, removing any blood or debris. Then, dilute veterinary povidoneiodine at a ratio of 1:50 with water to disinfect the wound. If the bleeding stops quickly, apply a small amount of gentamicin ointment. However, if the bleeding persists, apply Yunnan Baiyao tincture or powder to help stop the bleeding, and ensure the wound stays dry. If there's no bleeding, simply clean the wound with saline and apply Yunnan Baiyao powder to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
2. If a hamster's paw is fractured or sprained, it may struggle to walk with the paw on the ground, constantly lifting it, or exhibit an unusual walking gait, or become very uncoordinated. In such cases, it's crucial to take the hamster to a vet for an Xray to check for fractures and to receive appropriate treatment based on the findings.
3. It's important to note that saline is for cleaning wounds, not for disinfection; and iodine and mercuric nitrate should not be used together as they can produce toxic substances, which not only lack antibacterial properties but can also cause severe irritation to the hamster's skin, leading to redness, ulceration, and other issues.
It's best not to wrap a hamster's injured paw, as it can lead to infection. Once the wound has scabbed over, you can discontinue treatment. For further insights into hamster care, feel free to consult an online veterinary expert.
