Black Bump on Tail

Question
Ok so, my pet rat Candra is three and has been ill with a lot of things.  She had two tumers when she was 1 1/2.  She has nerve damage in her lags.  And now I find out that she is have problems going to the bathroom.  Oh ya and thes not forget that she is going blind.  But out of all the things that are happening to her, there is this black bump on her tail that I have know idea what it is.

The bump started out small and grew.  We decided to try to drain whatever it is and the black stuff came out.  I was told it was not a tumor and to keep draning it.  But other than that I was never told what it really was.  If you could tell me what that bump is and what that black stuff is, it would really help me out.

Answer
Sounds like an abscess.  She should be on antibiotics orally and also topically. Are you putting any antibiotic ointment on the abscess/tumor?


I cant really tell you what the tumor is without seeing it. That would be impossible to know without seeing the size, shape, color of the tissue etc... so unless you can send me some photos of it its impossible  to say exactly what it is. I have no idea if the drainage is blood or pus or a mixture of both which I would not be surprised if it wasnt a mixture of both.  If you can take photos please send to:
Sandyscrittercity@yahoo.com

Also you said she is going blind. How do you know this? Rats are mostly blind by nature with vision anywhere from 20/800 or worse. If they were human they would be legally blind. What is she doing or what is it that you notice that she is doing that makes you think she is going blind?

Also, what kind of problems is she having when she goes to the bathroom?
The nerve damage is pretty common for older rats to have in the back legs. It is called nerve root compression and is caused by degeneration of the spine and the lower lumbar area. This eventually causes the back legs to become weak and eventually they lose the use of them. They usually can find a way to cope pretty well and get around but the owner must also help by keeping the rat safe on a single story cage with all her food and water lowered so she can have easy access. She may not be able to groom as well and will need her genital area cleaned a few times a day to keep her from getting infections from being soiled in that area. Providing her with a cage bottom free of litter and just a solid floor so she can pivot around without dragging through litter is also a good idea. If the bottom of the cage is wire, you can simply cover it with newspaper first (black and white only, no colored ads etc....) and on top of the paper you can put down plastic needlepoint canvas. The holes in the canvas will allow for drainage should she urinate and the plastic can be washed easily. Keep litter in one area of the cage, in a corner in a box so she can use it if she wants litter. Also provide her a soft bed to sleep in, usually inside a little house or box for security and privacy. For more info on caring for elderly rats go to my site here:

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/careoftheelderlyrat.htm