Rat is tearing fur and skin out - Post Op

Question

Custard Wound Close Up   QUESTION: Hi,

I have 3 ratties and our alpha, Custard had an operation 4 weeks ago to remove a mammary growth. She is around 1 year and 5 months old.

Our local Vet carried out the operation which whilst scary went well. After Custard was over the anaesthetic her wound started to heal real well. Most of the fur had grown back, the stitches as far as I could tell had dissolved and there was just a tiny patch of missing fur left to heal.

Up until a week ago I noticed that this patch was red as if it had been bleeding. At first I thought that maybe she had just over cleaned herself and knocked a scab so I kept my eye on her and nothing changed until 3 days ago when I noticed a massive chunk of fur missing above the wound as well. At first I thought that maybe the other two rats may have done this and that she may need separating again for it to heal but yesterday I found her tearing at her skin when she was cleaning and the wound is very large.

I immediately took her to our Vet but I am not 100% convinced that our Vets are experts when it comes to rats.

Their diagnosis is that she is either self mutilating along the scar line as the healing may be irritating her or that the gland/tumour may be regrowing and doing the same.

Our vet gave her a single mixed injection of Convenia 80mg/ml (0.1 quantity) and Depo Medrone V 40mg/ml (0.25 quantity). Apparently one will act as a steriod to stop the irritation and the other is an antibiotic.

Having done some research I am getting conflicting information about the effectiveness of both drugs on Rats, as our vet seemed to believe this single injection will last for 2 weeks but others say it has no or little effect.

What can I do to help prevent her from tearing off the fur and skin around the wound? Is there any special anti-septics or ointments that will stop a Rat from biting themselves?

p.s. my ratties are real hard to get pictures of so its the best shot I have.

ANSWER:
I think your rat had a reaction to the stitches.  This is very common with some rats that have had dissolving stitches.  Swelling, weeping, itching, opening of the wound long after the site SHOULD have healed...all of this is a sign that the rats body had a reaction to the stitches.  

The medication used (Depo medrone) is prednisone and convenia (*the long acting antibiotic injection) is for strep, staph or Pasteurella bacteria found in some wounds.  It lasts for at least 7 days, but its use has not been established for rats and therefore we never ever use it. In fact, it may not work at all if it is not strong enough to kill the actual bacteria that your at may have, if indeed this is infection at all.   A good oral medication that can penetrate through pus is much better to use than convenia. In fact, its not good to give injections to rats anyhow. They are poorly absorbed due to the lack of fat and muscle mass and can actually cause sores at the injection site.   I am not real thrilled with the method of treatment in this case and to be honest, I would be a bit leary letting this vet handle her again.

I suggest another vet to continue your rats care before this gets any worse.   I can help locate a vet that is more educated in rat care for you. Let me know your location and I can give you some names. No obligation of course, but just in case you would rather go to another vet that can help clear this up using rat friendly methods.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes please Sandra that would be great, the wound so far doesn't appear to be infected but I am very concious that it may become so, especially if she keeps at it.

I live in Leicester in the United Kingdom.

Is there anything else I can do to stop her getting at the wound or to keep it clean?

Many thanks!

Answer



Dab it with saline solution, but not peroxide.

The first clinic is the best place for your rats!  Its about 90 min drive, however, but for this, it would be worth it!
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Scott Veterinary Clinic     
405 Goldington Road
Bedford Bedfordshire England MK41 0DS
Phone:    +441234261622


This clinic is "ok" but I would prefer the first clinic listed above and use this one for a back up.
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Feldon Veterinary Centre LTD     
94-96 King Street
Bedworth Warwickshire Cv12 8JF
Phone:    024 76312193