May 30

Red Nose Eyes – Porphyrin

Posted by jorats on Saturday May 30, 2009 Under Health

Rats secrete a type of “snot” or “tears” through the nose and/or eyes. It is red in color and not at all blood, it’s produced by the Harderian gland.
There can be very little or quite a lot which is alarming. The causes can be anything from stress to illness. Any kind of stress can affect a rat and make them less then top health. Stresses to avoid for rats are loud noises, too many changes like cages and rooms, smoking, fragrances, drafts, unsuitable habitats and new pets in the home.
Small amount of porphyrin is not much to be concerned about, you might want to think about dusty bedding and/or better diet.
But a lot of porphyin could indicate illnesses such as respiratory infections, internal infections, pituitary tumors and other serious health issues. In this case a vet appointment is a must.
Bleeding from the nose is extremely rare in rats but not impossible. Some rats do get polyps in the nasal passages. This will bleed and can be controlled for a short time.

6 Responses to “Red Nose Eyes – Porphyrin”

  1. Madison Says:
    June 4th, 2009 at 6:25 PM

    hi. my rats sometimes get “red liqued” coming out of there nose a little sometimes. i happened to notice that it is almost always after I kiss their head alot. Is this a coincidence? Or am I causing them stress? I would really appreciate an answer.

    Sincerely,
    Madison

  2. jorats Says:
    June 4th, 2009 at 8:40 PM

    I doubt that it’s because you are causing them stress…but still keep an eye on it. When do you usually kiss them on the head? Rats will get porphyrin when they first wake up before grooming it off of them.

  3. Lena Says:
    September 24th, 2009 at 12:50 AM

    Hello my rat has red liquid also coming from the nose. Do you know the cause behind this? I also kiss my rat on the head, and i hug him a lot as well. He seems to shed and sneeze a lot.

    Thanks
    Sincerely
    Lena

  4. Lena Nguyen Says:
    September 26th, 2009 at 11:54 AM

    Hello my rat has the same problem and i was hoping if you know how to take care of this. He has been sneezing a lot, I also kissed him on the head a lot as well. We also have a girl rat living with him and she does not have the red nose. Thank you for your help. I would really appreciate it if you replay.
    Sincerely,
    Lena

  5. jorats Says:
    September 26th, 2009 at 8:40 PM

    Hi, porphyrin can be caused by any kind of stress… is he a new rat? Also is your girl spayed or boy neutered?
    Are you breeding them?

  6. Lena Says:
    October 10th, 2009 at 8:55 PM

    No,he is not a new one,we had him for about a year. Also she was not spayed. We were breeding them but not any more because she kept on eating them.

    Sincerely,
    Lena