Rats tail problem

Question
QUESTION: hi i have a pet rat and the tip of the tail has gone black and hard.The top of it near to his bum is also going black what could be the problem and should i take him to the vets or is this not too serious. He is nearly 3 years old. I would appreciate if you could give me some advice. Thankyou.

ANSWER: Hi Stuart

Has anyone tried to pick him up by his tail at all? Does he seem to want to lick it and nurse it as if it hurts him? Is there a scab on it or does it feel rough when you touch it?

Sorry to ask so many things but since I cant see him in person I need to have you be my eyes and hands for me.  
Let me know....

Sandra

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

QUESTION: hi nobody picks simon up by the tail.He dosent seem to lick or nurse the area there was a scab but i appears to be healing.The end of the tail just looks as if i is dead. Could the problems be caused by poor circulation of his blood or clotting of the blood vessels in another part of the body? Or could it all be related to old age because he is quite old.
Thank you for your help so far hope to hear from you again soon.Once again thank you for taking the time to help answer our questions. thank you


Answer
Hi Stuart

Check his feet. If they are pink that means his circulation is ok, but if his feet are blue or purple tinged, he may have a problem with getting enough oyxgen.  

If I could see photos of his tail that would help.
He may have gotten the end of it caught on something in order for it to have been damaged or perhaps he bit it...but it sounds as if the black dead tip is necrotic tissue now and it should fall off and the rest will heal.  As for the base of his tail, is it crusty or any change in texture?  Often as the rat ages, alot of changes take place. If they are dark colored rats, their fur actually turns orange in spots known as rusting.  They also get gray hair too!!  They develop odd spots like age spots on their skin too, often on their tail, which may be what your seeing now.

Anyhow, if you feel he needs a vet, go with your first instincts. From what you are describing it doesnt sound like it warrants a vet visit, but at his age, a good exam wont hurt either and in fact this would be a good chance for the vet to check his teeth and take a stool sample and many other things to be sure he is in good shape for an old man!

If you do not have a vet that is up to par with rat care, I can find you one in your area. All I need is your zip code or city and I can find one for you that cares for rats. Its good to have one before you need them so you dont have to scramble to find one later.

Hope this helps you and again, anytime you need to write, feel free!