Swollen Paws

Question
QUESTION: I've had rats for many years but one of my current rats is causing some enigmatic concern.  About three weeks ago her front left paw swelled to over double its size. As a concerned owner I took her to the vet where they gave me some antibiotics and pain killers.  After three days the swelling seemed to get worse so she was taken back to the vet, who was very surprised the antibiotics hadn't worked, and they gave her an x-ray.  This showed there was nothing wrong only some swelling.  I continued with the course of antibiotics and after another two days the swelling had gone down.  The mysterious part to this is that three days later her left back paw did exactly the same.  As I still had some antibiotics I continued with the course.  This was about three days ago now and I've just come home from work to find that her back paw is now normal but her front right paw has swollen just like the others.  Any idea what this could be?  Should I take her back to the vets? She doesn't seem to be in any pain and she's as lively and hungry as ever so is it worth putting her through the stress of the vets?

Thank you for your time.

ANSWER: Is there any way you can take a photo of it?  When there is swelling, can you tell me if the flesh is pink,red, blue, cold or warm to the touch?

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Paw   QUESTION: Thank you for such a quick reply.  

I've tried to take a photo but she just wont kept still.  However I do have a photo from just over a week ago when it first started.  

As you can see the swelling is a purple colour but doesn't really feel any different in temperature.  A little colder if anything.  

Hope this helps, and thanks again.

ANSWER: This looks like infection. Someone else is having the same problem with her rats front paw too and it is indeed infection.  Even a tiny cut can allow bacteria from rat urine or feces in and this could cause infection.

What do you use for cleaning the cage?

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QUESTION: I use Johnson's Veterinary Clean 'n' Safe Disinfectant.  I Also use Bio Catolet cat litter to put at the bottom of their cage as this was recommended by Pets at Home.  Its recycled paper essentially. Could this be causing the re-infection as I have only recently started using it?

Answer
Possibly this could be the reason.  Even if she were allergic, had a cut, got any of the litter in it that was dirty etc....this would also cause the swelling/infection.  Have you noticed any signs of infection other than swelling? No pus at all?


I would remove all litter and put down paper towels. It may be a pain in the neck but if it helps clear this up it is worth the extra effort.

Toss away the paper towels as they become soiled and see how this works out.   What did  you use for litter before you changed over?