hamster with inflamed toe - advice please

[lilolilREALLYISFEMALE]

DD got a 5 week old hamster for her birthday last week. Yesterday we noticed she had an inflamed toe. Any ideas what it could be and whether we should leave it a day or so to see if it rights itself or whether we need to see vet urgently?
Also, whether for small animals it's worth taking out vet insurance?

I would take it to the vet. If the hamster is that young I wouldn't think it would be able to fight off infection without help and you might find it pops its clogs if you don't get it sorted quickly.

Good luck!

Thanks. Have just phoned the pet shop where we bought it, they've said to pop it down and they'll have a look and then advise re vets. Fingers crossed, can't bear for DD to lose it so quickly!

Well, it doesn't seem to be bothering her but equally is looking worse rather than better. Pet shop advised seeing vet, so taking her later. Suppose they're a bit like babies, you panic more when not used to them, but only had her since DDs bd on Thurs, couldn't bear for anything to happen to her just yet!

who'd have thought such a little thing could be come such an important part of the family so quickly?! She's been climbing and jumping a lot, suspect she's just knocked it but it does look very sore.

Mary & Pumpkin, thanks for your help earlier. Vet thinks she has broken her foot and gave her some anti-inflammatory drops. Vet seemed to think she'd be ok, as the foot doesn't seem to be bothering her too much. Just looked in on her and to be honest she's looking a bit shivery and shaky. Fingers crossed....