What care does a new rat with a missing arm and healing scab need?

Question

We bought a rat from a pet store. He had lost his left arm - store weren't sure what happened but thought other rats 'chewed it off'. It has a good scab on it which appears dry. He isn't picking or biting it but is cleaning it. He is missing patches of hair but seems otherwise ok.. eating, drinking, cleaning himself Is there anything else we can do for him? Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | unneutered

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Congrats on your new rat Merle, but I'm sorry he has lost an arm! I would keep any eye on the scab for signs of infection, which include redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, and pus. If you see any of those signs, then I would take him into the vet for an exam and antibiotics. Otherwise, given that he is eating, drinking, and cleaning himself, I would leave it be and enjoy your new pet :-)

What care does a new rat with a missing arm and healing scab need?

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