Hamster's swollen toe and foot cut won't heal. What's wrong?

What a cute little hamster! That toe could be swollen from an infection, a small string partially wrapped deep around toe, a fracture, a mass growing there....it’s a lot of possibilities. I would say at this point if it has not resolved on its own, which it would do by now if it was just an injury, you need to see a vet to have it checked out. He may need antibiotic or anti inflammatory or even diagnostics such as X-rays or aspirate of the swelling.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the photo, I can see a small ulceration or reddened area on one of Leilani's feet. This can be due to a pressure sore and a secondary infection. These issues can be caused by inappropriate flooring in the cage such as wire. Leilani should have a solid floor cage with plenty of bedding. Heavier animals are predisposed to these types of wounds from the increased pressure on the feet, so Leilani may need to cut down on treats if she is overweight to help the condition resolve. You should have Leilani seen by a vet as soon as possible, as she may require antibiotics if an infection is present. In the meantime, you should keep the area clean and apply a small amount of SSD (silver sulfadiazene) ointment to the area to promote healing. I hope this helps!

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) may be needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Poor Zoey, this is a very painful condition. You can try to cool the leg with a cold wrap on and off ( 2-3 minutes at a time, but make sure that she does not start to get cold.) to help with the pain. She may have a little abscess there as well. Inspect the leg thoroughly and make sure that there isn't a hair or string wrapped around it that cuts off the blood flow. She really needs to be seen by a vet ASAP.

It looks like it may be infected. This would need to be confirmed by your veterinarian after a physical exam. Hero may need antibiotics if this is the case. In the meantime, keep the cage clean and dry. Keep him warm and as stress free as possible.

This is usually and commonly the result either of a trauma of an infection. Unfortunately without more clinical informations is going to be hard to give you more specific advices. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

He should be examined by your veterinarian. If he has "wet tail" (proliferative ileitis), he will need treatment and supportive care. Keep his cage clean. Change bedding daily if necessary. Keep him warm and as stress free as possible. Discontinue feeding any treats, fruits or vegetables until he recovers.