In spite of the clever design and obvious benefits of this device, hamster owners must continually supervise its use. Parents must be made aware by their children that it is in use. Above all, hamsters should not be forgotten while inside these devices. A fall of over a foot or more may result in a broken back, for which there is no practical treatment. Injured hamsters should be immediately examined by a veterinarian.
Broken backs are very difficult to manage.
The veterinarian will determine the best course of action in each situation. Bladder Stones Hamsters are susceptible to formation of stones within the urinary tract. The bladder is the only location within the urinary tract in which stones would likely be detected upon physical examination by a veterinarian. Signs of bladder stones may or may not be detected by hamster owners and are usually associated with infection within the urinary tract, frequent urination, straining on urination, blood in the urine, increased water consumption, listlessness and inappetence. An experienced veterinarian may be able to remove the stones.