pet rat bleeding

Question
QUESTION: My male pet rat is bleeding from his penis area. I noticed the other night he kept licking himself alot and squealing. Now I am noticing blood coming from his penis area and I don't mean a drop or two. It might be mixed with pee so it looks like alot but it seems that why to me. What do you think is wrong I love him and don"t want to lose him

ANSWER: Hi Jaime

Hematuria (blood in urine) could be caused by several factors o
It could be a number of things, from urinary track infection,
renal calculi (stones)and the rough texture of the little stones will cutthe delicate tissue as they travel causing bleeding.  

No matter what the cause is, this is something that needs the attention of a qualified exotic vet, not a general vet that sees exotics unless they have alot of experience with our beloved friends. He will need an exam and possibly have a urine culture done etc...  

If you do not have a vet  that treats rats, please let me help you find someone, no obligation of course. I just need to know your locaton!

Hope to hear back from you soon.

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

QUESTION: Thank you for getting back with me. I did find A vet that knows alot about rats. They did a blood test to check his kidneys and they were fine turns out it was a bad bladder infection and he had some crystals in his urine. I got some meds and he is already back to him self and no more blood. Thank you again so much, I'm glad you were here. Jaime

Answer
Hi Jaime


Just as I said above, urinary tract infection with renal calculi, which is what was causing the bleeding.  Glad he is already feeling better!!  Good job on getting the prompt medical attention he needed! Thank you also for keeping me posted.