Q&A for How to Take Care of a Found Injured Hamster

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Do hamsters have a period?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

No. If a female hamster has a discharge from her vulva, this is not normal. The most common reasons for soiling from the female parts include a bladder infection, womb infection, or miscarriage of baby hamsters.

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Question

Do hamsters get cancer?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Sadly, yes they do. The most common cancers in hamsters are a tumor of the adrenal gland (causing hair loss, weight gain, and lack of energy) or of the skin (showing as a lump or bump).

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Can hamsters break their legs?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Unfortunately, yes. Hamster bones are tiny, smaller than a matchstick. They can suffer broken bones easily from something as simple as a fall.

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Question

What kind of antibiotics are safe for hamsters?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Antibiotics must be used with great care in hamsters. The only oral (by mouth) antibiotic licensed for small mammals like hamsters is Baytril. Additionally, how you give the antibiotic matters. When given by injection, tetracyclines, sulphonamide/trimethoprim, or gentimycin are good alternatives, while cephalosporins can be given by injection but carry a higher risk.

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