lump on rats tail

Question
QUESTION: Hello.
I have a rattie question.About 3 weeks ago I helped to rescue two males from becoming pet store snake food and am now keeping them in a 2 lvl cage in my apt. Yesterday I took one male which is hairless to the vet for snuffling and wheezing, and was given a course of 2 antibiotics to be administered orally 2x per day for 2 weeks. The other rat (also male less dominant) does not show signs of sickness but i HAVE noticed a lump on his tail that would appear to be the result of a bite sustained from the other male. I dont have an img to attach at this time but am concerned as i cant afford to go back to the vet just yet. The area is raised, tender to gentle squeezing and not dripping or open. The rat appears to be in perfect health. Appetite fine, very active and curious. Is there anything that is can do? I dont have much on their pasts but I was told theyve grown up together. When I fist got them, they fought a lot more but now, not so much..if they do, I try to spray them with a little water to break it up which usually works.

thanks so much for your time.

ANSWER: Hi


Sounds like an abscess.It will or at least it should come to a head. What you can do is during his sleepy time, take him out and hold him and put a warm compress or even a sock with rice in it and heated in the microwave till nice and warm. This will usually cause the abscess to come to a head. I you see a scab on it, its usually necrotic tissue and if you pick it off, it usually will burst.  You can clean it out using saline solution and pack with a bit of neosporin and keep doing it till it heals.

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QUESTION: Thank you VERY much for your prompt and informative reply. I will try what you suggested and be sure to peruse information on the site before asking future questions.

Thanks!!!


Michelle

Answer
You can ask away!  No worries if they have been asked before etc....every case is different like very rat is different. I am here to answer questions to the best of my ability, that is what I signed up for so please do not worry about looking for old info before asking me anything!!  :)