Toffee and Fudge update

Question
Hi Sandra,
Sorry i tried to do a follow up but it didnt work. Well so far Toffee's tail hasnt changed colour. Its been over 4 days. Im hoping (touch wood) everything is going to be ok. Maybe a stupid question but will the end go black (as in dead flesh) or white (as though the blood supply has been cut off)?? Im checking her constantly and sometimes its hard to tell when they have porphyrin over it.
On another note what is good to wash those lovely tails in? I hate it when she wees on her platform and then sits in it!!!!!!

Thanks
Vicky

P.S I read your other posts and i cant believe how much you know

Answer
Hi Vicky

Glad to hear that her tail isn't changing color. When the blood supply is cut off, the tissue will become necrotic (when it dies from lack of circulation) so it wont turn white, just black.  If the tail ever turns white or even blue, that means lack of blood flow but it is still getting some blood. Also this can occur in their back feet as well and sometimes the feet turn purple tinged....this is called cyanosis and it occurs most often in heart disease or lung     disease.   I

Anyhow, about washing the tail.  Believe it or not I HATE to mess with the tail ..it bugs me...not sure why....but you can do this:
Take a very soft toothbrush, one used on babies that are soft on the tender teeth and gums of a small child.
Use a bit of baby shampoo and  gently scrub the rats tail going the same direction as the little scales go.