rat vaginal problem

Question
QUESTION: My daughter's pet rat appears to have either very swollen vaginal area or her inside parts are coming out.

ANSWER: Hi Craig

Before I can continue to advise you I need to know how old the rat is and if she has any bleeding or discharge associated with this. Also, is she acting sick such as lack of appetite and lethargic?

Sometimes, during heat, which is every 5 days in females over the age of 5 weeks old and lasting for 12 hours or so, can cause some swelling in the genital area when the blood engorges that area and it is normal. There is also a condition called uterine prolapse, so this is why I just wanted to ask a few more questions to be certain first so please help me out with a follow up.  Thanks!

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

QUESTION: She is around two years old.  She is in a cage with another female rat also around two.  She still will take food from us and she was never active so that is hard to judge.  It isn't bleading, but is a little bloody looking.

Answer
It sounds like she has a uterine prolapse. The cause can be from many things, from infection to tumors. The only thing that can help her now is to see a vet. She may simply need medications to help clear things up or she may require surgery. She is not too old for surgery as long as the vet is skilled with rats. If all looks well, she can be spayed and problem solved. If a tumor is involved the vet may be able to remove all of the tumor as well...its hard for me to say its a hopeless situation because I have seen rats on the edge of death turn around and live another happy year of life.

Do you have a vet? If not, let me help you locate one that takes care of rats in your area if you dont mind. I will need to know your location and what cities surround your area.

Hang in there

Sandy