Mysterious mole

Question
QUESTION: My rat, Tooter, has something like a mole on his toe, should I be worried?

ANSWER: Hi Drew

I need to know more about this mole (but no, you dont have to worry yourself to pieces)  

What color is it?
Is it bleeding?
Does it hurt him and make him limp or does he lick it alot like its bothering him?
Is it a raised lump?
Is there a scab on it?
Does he live alone?
How old is he?
What kind of litter is he using?
Is it by the toenail on on the toe but up more toward the foot?

Sorry to ask you all of these things but your question was pretty vague and  there isnt much for me to go by when you simply say there is a mole on his toe. I cant see him to examine him in person so I need you to be very descriptive so I can get a visual in my head on this.

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

QUESTION: Well, Tooter lives alone, and the mole is like a little brownish-black lump. It does not seem to be bothering him. I am using carefresh petlitter. The mole is on the front paw a little behind his fingernail.

ANSWER: I wouldnt be worried to be honest. He may have caught the nail on something in the past and it left a small little sore there and it could be infected.  You can rub an antibiotic ointment on it (he will eventually lick it off though) and watch it. If it gets bigger, he may  need to see a vet but I dont think its anything to worry about.

Did you try to squeeze it?

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

QUESTION: No, I did not try to squeeze it.  Also, I live about 65 miles from a large city and all the vets we have around here work on cattle and horses.  How do I find a vet that is qualified to work on a rat just in case I need one?


Answer
All I need is your zip code and I will find one for you.


I just had a reader write in with a heartbreaking story. She lost her rat due to a vet that was not qualified to work on rats so its best to go to one that is able to handle them or they can do more harm to our rats than good.  

Zip code where you live and I can find someone nearby, although it may be a drive, maybe an hour or less...hopefully not though.

Meanwhile, give that little mole a gentle but firm squeeze, going from under the bump if possible....if the rat protests, stop, but be prepared in case some junky funk comes oozing out if it is a small abscess.

Ewww!