ripped toe.

Question
hi sandra,
i have woken up this morning to a very bloody rat.
it seems to be coming from a ripped toenail.
some websites say to dip the toe in powder too stem the bleeding while others say to leave well alone.
could you please give me your advice as i am unsure what to do.
   many thanks
               lorna

Answer
Hi Lorna

The nail bed of a rat is highly vascular. In fact, some vets use this route to get a blood sample from rats (clipping the toe to make it bleed, that is)

Rats take a bit longer than humans to clot, about 4 mins. When they have a cut or wound that is bleeding, apply steady pressure for at least 4 minutes to get it to slow down or stop.  With the toenail, you can apply flour (not just any powder) to the area to help it clot. It works generally the same way a Styptic Pen pen works on a mans face when he cuts himself shaving.  I would, of course, hold pressure best you can first and use flour as a last resort.  After all is well, blob on the neosporin or any generic antibiotic ointment, and keep the rat busy till it absorbs (a few minutes is all it needs) and he will probably lick it off after that, which wont hurt him either.
There is a slight chance infection could set in which is why I suggest neosporin for a few days, just to be safe.

Hope this helps!