Purplish spots and hair loss

Question
QUESTION: I recently noticed purplish spots on my rat and a lot of his hair is missing. I thought at first it might be from the bite he had gotten from his mate, who had recently given birth to his babies. There were scabs but they have healed. I am really worried his symptoms have spread to my female rat. We have this anti biotic that is called tetracycline is that ok to give them?

ANSWER:

I am confused....are the purple spots where the scabs were or are the in totally different areas?

Dont worry, its not catchy. There is no disease that causes purple spots that is contagious from rat to rat.

I am pretty sure I know what is wrong but first must ask, is your rat a dark furred rat, black or brown?

Also never use an antibiotic unless you know what is wrong first or the antibiotic may not be the right one and can actually cause a stronger infection to develop.

Anyhow let me know what color your rats fur is.

thanks

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

QUESTION: The rat is actually grey.The female had no purple spots or hair loss like we had thought.The puple spot is beside a scab, and when touched it is not hardened.We had read that tumors are usually hard.Also the antibiotic is tetrimicin used for farm animals but we have been told it was fine to use in any pets.

Answer

Believe it or not, in gray or dark furred rats, these spots are dark pigments where the fur is going to regrow or where it used to be. If these spots are flat and under the surface of the skin.

If they are under the surface but you can feel them, it may be bruises.

Is there a way to take a photo?