My rats foot is swollen, i would like to know the cause and name of the ailment

Question
QUESTION: What are the causes of this? My pet dumbo rat, Ratoncito, had a small case of bumblefoot. I was able to treat it using teatreaoils and keeping everything really clean. I also removed a mesh/wire ramp the kind you buy at a petsmart from the cage. But now on the opposite foot and limb he is swollen and bluish pink. there are no lacerations or bites/cuts that him aware of and this foot-thing seemed to just appear out of the blue. I've taken him to the vet before with other issues and did not have a good experience...(they essentially prescribed my rat with medication he did not need). My only assumption at present is that he has poor circulation/ diabetes (he is a big rat but I two wouldn't call him fat).Is there a name for this ailment? and what should i do?

ANSWER: http://ratguide.com/health/figures/ulcerative_pododermatitis_figure_2.php



Does it resemble this at all? Sometimes ulcerative pododermatitis can come out of the blue like the article above states. However, the photo shows redness, not blue to purple. Blue to purple can be cyanosis from lack of oxygen, but again, it would not be limited to one limb and would involve the other foot too and even sometimes the genitals and muzzle. You also didnt mention any problems with pulmonary or cardiovascular problems so thats ruled out.

I hate these cases that leave me guessing. If I could see it that would help. Is there a way to take a photo? You can attach it in your follow up to me on the bottom of the page there is a place to attach one photo, which is a much needed feature on this particular site. I was glad when they added it!

My hunch tells me he may have twisted it. If he had poor circulation,it would affect both limbs. Diabetes in rats is also not real common and you would see other signs first such as excessive thirst and a sweet odor to urine such as a maple syrup smell. Even though he is fat, that doesnt seem to be a contributing factor in rats like it could be with humans. Heart disease is more linked to obesity (as is bumble foot) than diabetes is.

Also, I am sorry you had a sucky experience with your vet. Sorry for the poor choice of words there. Usually I am more articulate with my words but that just seemed to fit at the moment. LOL  You have no idea how disappointed I am with vets and the poor care rats get. Even when I send someone to an exotic vet that I know nothing about and turn around the vet is a real class act that I could be his teacher for pete sake...it really is a disappointment!  I am looking forward to the brand new category of specialist soon to be available to rat owners: The exotic companion mammal specialist! FINALLY! This will include rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, rabbits, you name it. It will require the vet to be of course a DVM and the course takes an additional two years of internship and the test is a grueling two day test but it will be so worth it for our critters to finally have their own vet just for THEM!   
If you do want me to give you some names of vets that are decent with rats and wont rip you off, let me know and I will be happy to give you the names I have. I try to stick to exotic vets that are certified rather than vets that see exotics since there is a major difference.

Either way, do get back to me about his foot and let me know what you think about the photo above.  I am also interested in your treatment of his bumblefoot.  I had a rat that we tried everything, even an anti fungal and nothing helped. I kept his cage spotless and even padded the floors but he still had these nasty bumbles for most of his 3.5 years of life!  His brother has a tiny one that he has had for about a year and it isnt getting bigger but I think I will try your treatment if you dont mind filling me in on it!

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

QUESTION: The thing with these cute lil critters is that their health can change from day to night >_<.The bumblefoot currently though regressing is on the left foot is regressing and soon i figure it will dissapear. It was a tiny bit of it. I also used tea tree oil for his adult acne on his tail (seeing as he is a Buck). Tea tree oil is a natural anti-fingal that when used proprly, can cure different fungal/contact dermatitus. I personally would dilute the amount as you procede with the treatment. Sometimes using tea tree oil in its full potency can create and immunity to it. :) just dilute it with a small amount of water. I know for a fact it will improve ur rats bumblefoot, as for a cure i myself am waiting to see sweet soft pink fleshy feet again. (his scabs eventually fell off though and that i expect is a good sign that he is improving. good luck with your own personal treatment for ur fuzzyrodent..... so in regards to ratoncito you beleive it may be obesity? hmmm. you might be right...still i dont feed him an over the top amount. i can try excersizing him...but with two problamatic feet is that possible? Ill send you a picture if i can mean while.... i will continue my personal search. I like to search for natural remedies if i can... One more question....His right foot looks like when one gets a burn...puffy and redish pink his foot is enflamed and it ws not so a day ago. As far as i see there is no place for it to be caught in...its a mystery really
thankyou. :) try the tea tree oil


Answer
Did you compare the photo on the link I sent to his foot now?

No I also dont think this is from obesity, even a lean rat can get bumblefoot. Being  chubby may add to it, however but its not a must when developing bumbles.

What your seeing now sounds like an acute infection from bumblefoot   and it can be acute, right out of the blue.