My hamster is hurt. What should I do? Is this serious?

• I took my hamster out of my cage and she ran off my hand. This is common for her to do as she is still fairly new. But she ran off my hand several times with me trying my best to keep her from doing it again. This happened about six to eight times. The max she fell was about four feet onto soft carpet, once falling onto her own cage. After a while I saw blood on my hand and wondered if it was hers. After checking her for a while I noticed her rear right paw, middle claw, to be bleeding. It doesn't seem that bad but I still wonder. I've had many hampsters before but have never delt with something like this. What should I do? Do I need to contact a vet?

• Answer:

  I agree with Andi, it is probably minor, Wash it first and put a little listerine (or what you use) to anticeptic it. Your poor hampster probably caught her toe nail on her cage when she landed earlier. Next time you play with her sit on the bed to do it so the landing is softer. I would try not to put cornstarch or soap to stop the bleeding, it should stop on its own and the other things can cause wet-bottom (diarrhea) which is fatal to a rodent. Good luck and great snuggles with your new friend, just try to be more careful. As far as the leg goes, if she is still moving around (which I assume she is because you do not mention it). She will probably be just fine, keep a close eye on her.