waaaaaaaah

[wendyzski]

My hamster broke!

I was cutting his toenails and he wiggled and something went 'crack' in his little foot! I can't afford a vet, even if I could find one that takes dwarf hamsters. He's getting around okay, and eating, but definitely dragging it, and it just looks wrong somehow. waaah. I feel so guilty! I'm afraid to try and mess with it - that I'll hurt him more. I've moved stuff in his cage so he doesn't have to climb anything, and am supplementing his diet with extra protein & minerals. Also moving cage to a darker and quieter place to reduce stress.

::sobs::

UPDATE: I have a gig this weekend and can't call around to vets. I have $30 in my bank account, and no possibility of more unless I win this hearing on Monday. I've had no regular income since mid-july. That's part of why I'm so upset - I can't do anything for the little guy. It's my responsibility and I'm failing him. I'm a bad hamster-mom. ::sobs more::

Comments

[alliesutherland.livejournal.com]

(((comforting hugs and love for both of you))) Awww hon... it's okay!

I'm sure he'll be fine, hon. :) They are amazing lil' critters in their healing. It wasn't anyone's fault... sometimes it just happens. :( Please don't feel guilty; he'll rest and heal. They're often their own best nurses.

Professional opinion

[rose1thorn.livejournal.com]

My brother is a vet-tech. He suggests that you call around to some vets for advice. If they all tell you to take him in, see if you can find one who can do a payment plan.
I really wish I could give you more help than that.
*hugs*

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

Are you near a university? You might be able to find a veterinary student to take a look for little/no $...

[capi.livejournal.com]

((( hugs )))

Alas, having worn those same shoes, i know there is no cure for the guilt you are experiencing except time.

But Allie is right - these critters heal remarkably well, and if they are somewhat altered by the experience, it doesn't seem to bother them any. They just take what life hands them, dontchaknow.

So come sit by me and let's watch a funny movie, k? Want some cheesy popcorn?

[eacole72.livejournal.com]

I don't have any personal experience with hamsters of any variety, but I can tell you what the vet told my cousin when her hamster rolled his ball off the landing and fell 14 feet, breaking a bone in his foot. There isn't any setting a bone in a hamster's foot or leg, because there is no way to stabilize it. They had her do exactly what you are doing, with putting him where it is dark and quiet, so that he wasn't encouraged to move a lot, and they had her up the calcium content of his diet, to help him heal. (My aunt really hoped that they would set his leg, put him in a cast, and then set him up on crutches so she could take his picture. The vet told her that would be terribly cruel.)

Really, you're doing the best thing for him. You should probably make sure that his foot is consistent in temperature with the rest of him (not terribly cold or hot), but that is about it.

[sideband.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear about your hamster. I didn't know you had to trim their nails... I thought they did it themselves, like cats, with cardboard and the like.

Anyway, I'm pouting with you. Hope you make lots of tips at your gig so you can take care of your hamster.

Do try to have a good weekend.

[wifeofset.livejournal.com]

You're a better hamster mom than I was! Hell I didn't know you COULD trim their nails.. but really, for hamsters there's not much to be done since it's impossible to set their... right I just read beth's post. yeah that!

[that-david.livejournal.com]

*Hugs*

The previous posts show that your doing the right thing and that your care for your little friend is good.

What happened was an accident... and you shouldn't beat yourself up over it.

*Hugs*

[socratesthecat.livejournal.com]

If you need financial help with him I'd be more than willing to help. I'm a sucker for the little fuzzy ones thats why I'm not allowed into pet stores or animal shelters because I'd want to take them all home.