My rat has a swollen, limping foot with an abscess. What should I do?

From these photos, there is definitely some swelling, and possible ulceration. These are definitely signs consistent with bumblefoot, also known as pododermatitis. This is typically caused by increased pressure on the feet and results in bleeding and pain. This can unfortunately spread to the tissues such as muscles and tendons below, so I still recommend having Dobby looked at by a vet, just in case surgery or pain medication is necessary. Because the condition is caused by pressure on the feet, I recommend making sure that Dobby has soft, and very clean bedding as dirty bedding can cause an infection. You should avoid scratchy materials for bedding. Vetericyin ointment is okay for cleaning the area, you can also apply SSD (silver sulfadiazene) ointment to the area after cleaning. Dobby should definitely visit a vet if the condition continues to get worse over the next few days. I hope this helps!

You can try warm Epsom salt soaks to relieve swelling. Dissolve 1 tablespoon in 1 cup of warm water. If he will stand in it with the foot submerged, allow it for about 20-30 minutes. If he is wiggling, soak cotton balls with the solution and place on the foot for the recommended length of time. Ideally, he shouldn't get any medication without first speaking with or having him examined by your veterinarian. Systemic antibiotics may be indicated to resolve the infection. Legally, we are prohibited from recommending doses of drugs in the absence of a physical exam and a patient-veterinarian-client relationship.

Thanks for reaching out about Calypso and including a photo. Don't believe this is bumble foot as that usually affects weight bearing areas. More likely an inflamed joint (previous dislocation) or an infection. Does it seem painful? Can you flex the toe? Anti-inflammatories or antibiotics could help the situation. If really painful and effecting walking, an amputation of the digit might give the best prognosis. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Remy and including a photo. Pododermatitis is usually a lesion on the bottom surface of the feet. This appears to be torn toe nails, that are probably painful. Is is possible she caught her toes on some fabric? If she is painful, a veterinary visit is recommended for analgesia and possible antibiotics. Good luck.

If you can, I would suggest you take Tofu to a veterinarian for an exam and possible x-ray. If the leg/foot is broken they may be able to splint it to help it heal. Vets have medications they can dispense for the pain and swelling. There are no over the counter medications I can recommend you give him. I am not sure any are safe to give and even if they were, it would be impossible to get a correct dosage for a mouse that small. The only recommendation I have other than taking him to the vet is to try and soak the affected leg in an epsom salt solution (~5 minutes 2-3 times a day). Hope this helps. Best wishes.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) may be needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Thank you for using Boop by Petco! From the photo, I can see a small ulceration or reddened area on one of Leilani's feet. This can be due to a pressure sore and a secondary infection. These issues can be caused by inappropriate flooring in the cage such as wire. Leilani should have a solid floor cage with plenty of bedding. Heavier animals are predisposed to these types of wounds from the increased pressure on the feet, so Leilani may need to cut down on treats if she is overweight to help the condition resolve. You should have Leilani seen by a vet as soon as possible, as she may require antibiotics if an infection is present. In the meantime, you should keep the area clean and apply a small amount of SSD (silver sulfadiazene) ointment to the area to promote healing. I hope this helps!

What a cute little hamster! That toe could be swollen from an infection, a small string partially wrapped deep around toe, a fracture, a mass growing there....it’s a lot of possibilities. I would say at this point if it has not resolved on its own, which it would do by now if it was just an injury, you need to see a vet to have it checked out. He may need antibiotic or anti inflammatory or even diagnostics such as X-rays or aspirate of the swelling.

With the swelling, I would be concerned that Midnight has an abscess. I think it would be a good idea to take her into the vet for antibiotics. This should make the infection clear up quickly. Otherwise it could take weeks to heal and it can rarely become chronic which means it does not heal. I hope this helps!

Unfortunately, senior rats are predisposed to developing malignancies late rin life. To confirm this, you will need to have Dobby examined by your veterinarian. A fine needle aspirate can be done in the clinic to collect samples for pathology. Once results are returned, you can discuss treatment options with your vet. Monitor for bleeding, ulceration, odor, lethargy or decreased appetite. Keep him on paper towels and change them daily or as needed to keep the area clean and dry.