Rat hurt his tail.

Question
Hi. I was putting my rat away and didn't see his tail was sticking out of the cage door. I started to shut it and the corner got his tail. He squeaked and jumped and walked around his cage in a weird way (I'm guessing from being startled and in pain). He went in his litter pan, then came out and started eating. I let him out of his cage and he kissed me so he seems fine, but there are two tiny spots where some scales came off his tail and a dot of blood there. Is there something I should do? I read the tail is connected to the spine and if it gets infected it can spread. I'm not sure what to put on it that won't hurt him if he licks it off and I don't want him getting an infection if it's an open wound, no matter how small. I had a dog who bit off the tip of his tail and I wasn't nearly as freaked out about it as I am with this little ratty tail.

Answer
Hi Lisa

Be careful the websites you read from.  Many simply pass on info that are simply not true and are long time myths.  However, the truth is, the tail IS part of the rats extended vertebrae. The tails function is to act as a fifth leg but to also help regulate body temp. Rats lose alot of heat from their tail which is why they dont run fevers very often. It contains alot of nerves and blood vessels and it is a good source of blood for blood samples when we need them.  The rats tail may become black (necrotic) at the end from dying since it may not be able to get blood flow to that area due to the injury.  It may crust up and even fall off, which as long as it is just the tip, this is pretty common when dealing with a tail injury.  Keep it clean and add some neosporin to it.  If its just a tiny area, there is no need for a vet or for oral antibiotics but do keep an eye on it should it swell up real big or you notice that it is starting to involve more of the tail, but I dont think it will.  It may be sensitive though so try to be very careful when handling his tail.  Also, for accurate info on rat care, check out my website.

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/index.htm

 Its ok to be safe of course, and to err on the side of caution though, so when in doubt, ask!  :)