Abscess in rat?

Question

One of my rats seems to have an abscess. It's pretty small, and really firm. I read that it's better to just let them open on their own, but I've never had a rat with one before so I made a n appointment for Thursday at my vet.

Some reassurances my guy will be fine? It's barely pea-sized right now, and he's breathing well/acting normal. He's young, too, probably only about 4 months or so. What can I expect of the healing process? (If it's still small, I think that just antibiotics will get rid of it, but if it's lanced?)

Answer 1

If yor rat has an abcess, it will be fine, so don`t worry. There is a few things to do if the rat has an abcess to help it heal up and get better so please read below.

Abcesses

I read this from a book called "The Proper Care Of Fancy Rats" by Nick Mays:

If an abcess does develop, this will need draining regulary. A piece of tissue paper will suffice. Gently squeeze the pus out of the abcess and bathe the area with warm water. A good measure is to apply a couple of drops of hydrogen peroxide to the open cavity. The hydrogen peroxide will start to bubble on contact with the infected tissue and will force the remaining pus out of the cavity. Continue to "drain and flush" daily, until all the pus is gone and a scab forms over the new flesh.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

Answer 2

You can do warm compresses *moist heat, like a warm & damp hand towel*, and see if that makes the abscess naturally open & release the pus.

Here is more information on abscesses in rats.

http://ratguide.com/health/integumentary...

Answer 3

Are you sure you want to spend a ton of money on removing that abscess?  I would just leave it alone and see if it grows, it shouldn't be a problem as long as it doesn't impair his quality of life.

Answer 4

My rat had a tumor it was a hard lump that started out small and got quite large then she started to chew it but I had to take her to a vet to have it surgically removed. She was much better after her surgery and healed up rather quickly.

It is good that you have a appointment with the vet

Answer 5

It probably needs to be opened and drained. Once it is drained then antibiotics will do the rest. It is best to get the infection out before starting sntibiotics so that it will heal faster. He'll be fine.

Answer 6

well, if they drain it h**l be a little sore in that area for a few days, but h**l get back to normal soon=] its good you made a vet apointment=] i prsonally think the whole better-to-let-it-burst thing is for people not willing to pay vets.... really, i think its better to get a prof to drain and treat it while its pea-sized than wait till its golf-ball sized and busts.. imagine what thatd feel like. OUCH....