My rat has a pink bump on her eye

Question
QUESTION: My rat has a pink bump on her eye, like right on the edge of it. Its round and pink, and I'm not sure what it is or what i should do about it. Will it go away? How can i treat it? she doesn't seem to scratch alot because of it, and it doesnt seem to bother her vision either. any help is appreciated, thanks in advance.

-Ash

ANSWER: Hi Ashley

It could actually be a small abscess. The problem with that is you dont want it to burst and possibly get into her eye more.  That could case a nasty eye infection.  Is this right on the eyeball?  Is there a way you can send a photo to me?  Its hard for me to know what this is without seeing it in person, but a photo may help. If you can get a clear close up that would be awesome. Someone said to put the setting of the camera on MACRO for clear close ups, but I never found that setting myself, just thought I would suggest it in case you knew what that meant.

Also, I need to know if this bump is right smack on the eyeball or if its on the eyelid.

I will wait to hear back from you!
Sandra          


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

QUESTION: Hello there Sandra and thank you very much for getting back to me. Here is a photo of her pink eye bump http://www.geocities.com/lupinedementia/SusieEyeBump.jpg the photo is kind of blurry, shes a wiggly little girl lol its right beside the eye, not on the eye itself. The red arrow is pointing to it. I hope that helps in showing it more. Thanks again!

-Ash

Answer
Hi Ash


Its a bit blurry, but it does look like either a tiny cyst or maybe an abscess. OR better yet, a simple ratty zit. This is not uncommon and actually, hairless rats are more prone to these than furred rats, like yours. It isnt unheard of, though.

Try to hold a warm compress on it or a sock with rice in it that has been heated to a comfortable temp in the microwave. She may not let you do it for long. Also, if you can rub just a bit of neosporin ointment on it and keep her busy while it absorbs so she doesnt rub it into her eye (it wont hurt, but its best it stays on the lump rather the in the eye)

However, keep an eye on it very closely for the next week. If it should discolor, grow larger or involve her eye, she needs seen by a vet, and of course if you feel a vet should see her, by all means, go with your gut. If you need a vet, let me know. I will be happy to find one for you that is geared toward properly treating your pet rat and not one of these vets that use substitutes since they dont have the proper implements or medications that the small animal warrants in order to be treated properly and accurately.