vaginal bleeding in rats

Question
our beloved female pet rat had some vaginal bleeding tonight. she is very tame and never bites, (found in a foreclosed house so don't know age but looks about one year) so we are sure where it was coming from. we read a previous letter from you on the topic. is there any way to tell if it is a urinary tract infection vs something more serious? also, our vet is unable to care for exotics and can't refer us. we will go where we need to go. please can you give us a referral ? we are in hartford ct. thank you very much. we are very worried about her. she is a member of our family and deeply loved. sk

Answer

If she is bleeding vaginally, it is not related to the urinary tract. She would be spotting from the urethra if that were the case, she would be going to the bathroom much more frequently, possibly drinking more water etc...

She probably has an infection in her uterus( providing the still intact) which leads me to my next questions:

Is she spayed?

How old is she?

She could have pyometra, which can be very serious and may even require being spayed if that is the case.  I would recommend this ONLY if the vet is skilled when it comes to rats and surgery.


The place I am going to suggest is located in Canton, CT.  I am hoping it is at least within an hours reach, as it would be the best place for your rat to go to for a good vet that has the proper facility for small exotic companion mammals. They open tomorrow at 7am so I would call as soon as possible, be sure to tell them its urgent they see her right away.

The vet I suggest highly is:
Dr. Candace Hersey-Benner
Roaring Brook Veterinary Hospital
60 Lovely Street
Canton CT 06019
Phone:   860-693-0214

They are a fully equipped to handle exotics and would be the best place for your rats!!

http://roaringbrookpet.com/avian_exotic_medicine.php



Also if for some reaosn you cannot reach me here, please write to me at Sandyscrittercity @yahoo. com which is my personal email.