What's wrong with my rats face?

Question

She has lost fur around near her whiskers and its red and a little scabby, with black things around it. I took her to the vet about 2 months ago because she also had an apparent respitory infection but the vet said the sores on her face was just from fighting, but im not so sure? I was just away for a week with a friend looking after my rats and when i came back it was so much worse and covers the whole right side of her face. Could it just be fighting? they dont fight much

here are some pictures (the best i could do she kept squirming around)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/freaky_noodle/ratos004.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/freaky_noodle/ratos003.jpg

Answer 1

I do not think those are fighting sores. Take her to another vet - some vets are too presumptuous in their diagnosis.

Answer 2

Skin Irritation:

Usually seen with scabs caused by excessive scratching. Caused either by infestation with parasites such as mites, which may not be visible to the naked eye, or by a dietary problem.

Diet-related skin problems may be caused by an allergy to peanuts or certain other types of protein-rich foods, or an adverse reaction to artificial additives in processed pet food. The usual culprits include peanuts, some brands of dog food, the brightly coloured biscuit often found in rodent mix, and for some animals apparently sunflower seeds.

Before, or as well as, treating for parasites, remove the foods listed above from your rat's diet, clip the back toenails, and treat existing skin abrasions or scabs with an antiseptic ointment. Not all rats will react the same way to the same foods - it may take time to find which ingredient is responsible. A useful way to eliminate the problem is to put your rats on a home-made fresh diet, containing no chemical additives. After 10 days of an altered diet (either very low protein or preservative - free), all signs of irritation and scratching should have disappeared; if they remain, contact your vet to consider other options.

The most effective treatment for mites (both the common fur mite, and rat mange mite) is Ivermectin, sold in the UK as 'Ivomec', and available only from your vet. This liquid can be painted onto the rat's ears, and absorbed through the skin, or it can be injected. Rats may develop a bad reaction to the injection, so it is better to apply it to the skin - discuss this with your vet, as some prefer to inject, so they can be sure that the rat gets the full dose. Ivomec is given every two weeks until the problem clears - usually two or three doses. -http://www.quite.co.uk/rats/#Health%20Pr...

I would try separating the rats for about a month putting the cages side by side (to keep them from getting lonely or agitated at the sudden separation) but far enough apart to where they can't touch each other.  If they are fighting the sores will clear up.

Separation can also help you determine whether your injured rat is eating and drinking healthily, if she is not then you may have some other problems.

Check in the fur all around the body, make sure there are no visible parasites, you can give her a bath with mild kitten or puppy shampoo or even just water and a rough rag if your more comfortable.

If your other rats are not experiencing the sores, we can assume that it is not anything in the cage, but it never hurts to check for sharp plastic or metal.

The best advice I have is to observe as much as you can, is she scratching the area excessively? Is she rubbing her nose between the bars of the cage? Is she stressed? Is her f***s solid, urine clear? Observation can answer a lot of questions.

Answer 3

As you say they aren't very good photos but it looks similar to something my rat has behind his ears and around his nose, as far as I can work out it's from him scratching himself..try trimming and or filing your ratties nails and see if it clears up, if not it's another trip to the vet for you :(

Good luck

P.S try to get some better photos and ask on here, they are very knowledgeable.....http://www.goosemoose.com/

Answer 4

To me it looks like she could have mites, and has been scratching them a lot.  THat's usually the case if your rat is itchy, and has lots of small scabs.  You should take her to the vet, and get a skin scraping, though they do not always find mites on them.

Personally, I think you should probably find a vet that is a bit better experienced with rats, because those don't look like bite wounds at all, or even scratches from fighting, and most rats when fighting will bite the neck or the butt (Right above the tail) and not so much the face.

Answer 5

Definitely take her to the vet.

Either that or she'll die          

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Answer 6

I know my rat died of a tumor I think they are highly susceptible to tumors.. Hope yours will be ok. Take her back to vet... GOOD LUCK<<<

Answer 7

well first of all DONT HOLD YOUR RAT LIKE THAT! and take the rat to the vet if you havent already! and just a tip dont get wire cages they are very bad for rats and get a very big cage mine is huge thisisnt kat a answering this is horse lover aka mia!