Hamster bit her tail off?

Question

a while ago my hamster bit her tail so took her to the vets and he gave some eye ointment for it as he couldnt give her anything else as it contained steroids and would kil her. everytime it drys and starts getting better she will bite it again and it does bleed but now she has actualy bit her tail off and she just wont leave it alone.

suggestions please?

Answer 1

swop  it for a budgie

Answer 2

not sure why it would bite it to begin with unless something was wrong with the tail. but now as it heals it itches.  put some witch hazel on it a few times a day to help dry it up and keep it clean.  in most pet stores you can find a spray that is extreemly bitter. usually its for dogs. spray some on a q tip after the witch hazel is dry and apply it to the wound. this should keep her from chewing it.  just be patient. it should heal on its own eventually. if it does not heal take her back in to have her checked for tumor growth.

Answer 3

That is something very odd and rare. Did the vet mention his diagnosis to you?

Hamsters normally exhibit the habit of biting off their legs or tails if those parts are badly injured and if the hamster is in pain. Normally it is better if the vet bandages the bitten part and allow it to heal along with administering antibiotics for healing whatever the infection that is possible in the tail.

I suggest you get on the phone to your vet and explain to him what your hamster is doing. Maybe he might give you alternative medicines for it.

As I mentioned, hamsters bite off their own parts if they are in severe pain, so check with a vet if you can get some painkillers for her to help her with her pain.

Also if it is tumour or cancer that is causing pain and her reaction, there is no cure for it and it is wiser (though it sounds hard) to ask your vet to put her to sleep if the cancer has reached a very advanced state.

Answer 4

Try rubbing something really yuck like lemon juice.

Answer 5

Eventually it should grow back.