My female rat is bleeding from her vaginal area

Question
QUESTION: I noticed today that my female rat who is 1 and 5 months is bleeding from her vaginal area. I noticed it on some of her bedding but have 3 other female rats so couldnt find where the bleeding was coming from straight away.

I have done a quick search and found it could be an infection or a tumour... is this true and life threatening and do I need to get her vet asap??

please let me know

Many Thanks

Lauren

ANSWER: Hi Lauren

yes she needs a vet right away because as you read, it could be infection or possibly a tumor.  Usually the vet (if he is worth his oats that is) can feel if its a tumor or take X-rays to see inside, but they often use antibiotics first anyhow to treat it as infection no matter what.  Do you need a good exotics vet? If so, let me know and i can give you some names of vets in your area that are exotic certified. Many times vets that are in a clinical setting hold the title that they are the exotic vet on staff and it confuses people into thinking they are certified exotic vets but they are far from it and only know the basics of rat care so again, if you do not have a good vet I can help find one.   Also, if it is a tumor she can be spayed in order to resolve it which of course means  preparation for all of this in advance. Keep me posted ok?

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

QUESTION: Hi
yes that would be really good if you could let me know of some exotics vets. because it's Sunday none of vets are open ive searched the yellow pages and the internet and they are all closed. I'm in Kent at the moment but i live in Clacton on sea. so the help would be reli appreciate. at the moment she is really lively, eating and drinking well. and haven't noticed anymore blood,I will be Definitely taking her to the vets no matter what but could it be too late if i can only get her there tomorrow (Ill be back in clacton tomorrow)

Thanks you so much

Lauren

Answer
Hi Lauren

I am a bit confused, I am going to assume you do not mean Kent, Ohio and what and where is Clacton on sea? Forgive me, but I slept straight through high school back in the early 80's obviously, and I missed out on geography completey. Put a rat in front of me though and I can work miracles (well, sorta  lol!)

The good news is intermittent bleeding and not a steady bloodflow means there are not big vessels or tears etc...that could cause excessive bleeding with unhealthy blood loss. Is it safe to say more or less that she is "spotting"?