What should I do for my rat who appears to have a foot infection?

Answer by  traumatised (3285)

Take him/her to an proper exotics vet (with rodent experience, ot a cat/dog vet), and try to keep the cage cleaner.

Answer by  ryark (243)

Take it to the vet. Your vet can prescribe antibiotics that are safe for your rat, if the foot is infected.Rats also frequently get tumors, which can look like infections.

Answer by  Mumma (483)

See an exotics vet (one who specialises in rodents - not an ordinary cat/dog vet) ASAP. Feet infections are serious. You will also probably have to keep the cage cleaner.

Answer by  canadabee (932)

You should definitely take your rat to a vet, since it's important that he/she get the right kind of anbiotics for the type of infection he/she has.

Answer by  sanityrose (2664)

A foot infection on a rat should be cared for with antibiotics, a tiny Elizabethan collar, and bandaging. Though it may seem odd on a little pet, the collar is very necessary to stop the rat from chewing off the infected limb. An infection left untreated can be very painful, cause aggression,and cause your rat to loose the entire leg.

Answer by  mammakat (11147)

I would treat this with applications of Bag Balm,it works amazingly well. If it seems to be pus-y, repeatedly apply a hot wet cloth, and try to express (press out) the infection. Keep VERY clean bedding, and keep expressing out the infection. See if there is something in the wound. Keep applying Bag Balm, he will lick it off.

Answer by  Mark51 (37)

You should take your pet to a trusted and respected vet to have him properly diagnosed. You could also try to search online for the pets symptoms.

Answer by  Allstar (2071)

An infection could kill a rat. You should take the rat to the vet and get the opinion of a professional.

Answer by  jane15 (40)

Try applying Neosporin or any other type of neomycin over-the-counter cream. You could try taking it to a vet that specializes in small animals, but the price might be prohibitive for an animal with such a small lifespan depending upon the type of antibiotics prescribed.

Answer by  justmesuzanne (625)

Clean the foot with hydrogen peroxide a couple of times every day. Use a spray bottle or, if he will tolerate it, soak the foot in a small container of hydrogen peroxide. Pat it dry with paper towels or use a blow dryer. Keep it clean. If it doesn't improve greatly in a day or 2 see your vet.

Answer by  les59 (852)

You can try to give your pet Colloidal Silver mixed in with their water. The Antibiotic properties can help to boost the immune system, and Colloidal Silver is over the counter. Just make sure you dilute it so that it's not straight when your pet ingests it as it's meant for human consumption.