Vaginal bleeding in my pet rat Misty

Question

"Hi Janell, I am really worried about my rat Misty. She is 2 at the end of February. Misty has started bleeding from her vagina recently and she has dark blood on this area basically everyday. I am getting really worried because there is lots of dark colored blood all around the cage. She has developed a small tumor under her armpit area but i am not sure if this is anything to do with the bleeding. I have fought Mayo with her for most of her life and this morning she has suddenly got a really bad flare up. I think she is struggling to breath but this comes and goes. This morning she seemed to have a slight head tilt so I wondered if she has developed an ear infection. I am taking her to a vet as soon as I get home from school. I am just worried because our vets don't seem to have a good knowledge with rats and I am sure this is a serious problem. It is just so scary to see blood dotted all over my cage. Please could you advise me on what you think is the most likely cause of
 this bleeding and what i can do to help my baby. Many thanks and best wishes. Rachel Greenaway"

Answer
Rachel;
If I had to guess I'd say yes, most of her issues are related to mycoplasmosis -- she more than likely has a systemic infection which is attacking all of these different areas - I'd say a uterine infection is the most likely cause of the vaginal bleeding but then it could also be endometriosis also, but only a vet could tell you for absolute positive. Her head tilt is probably also a myco-related infection, possibly an ear infection, but may also be an upper respiratory symptom. I really hope the vet is able to give you some relief -- beyond explaining what I think it might be, I can't do much else. Good luck hon!