fenshae
Well-Known Member
I hate the way that infections can seem to crop up overnight. *sigh*
About a week ago, Stock and Beryl got into a fight, and it sliced open Beryl's tail. I'd been keeping an eye on the wound, which had scabbed over and seemed to be healing OK; I was rinsing it out every day, but wasn't sure if I should peel the scab or let it heal on its own and cleaning it was making him spazz out so bad...so I didn't peel the scab, just rinsed it in water and checked for inflammation, pus, pain, etc. Yesterday, I noticed that his tail seemed more swollen than it had been, and the scab seemed about twice as big as it had been, but I convinced myself I was imagining things.
Then, today...blood, all over the cage shelf. I freaked out, plucked him out, and saw that his tail-scab had split open (or he'd chewed it open, or his brother bit him, or...something) and the area was more swollen. I went to go rinse it out, to get a better idea of how bad it is. There's a slight "infection" smell, too...I recognize the smell from when Echo's tumor ulcerated and it brings back such awful memories that now I'm freaking out bad.
Got some pictures:
[spoiler:1w4c9q7q]
[/spoiler:1w4c9q7q]
As close-up as I could get. The white-ish parts are tissue of some kind (I think), there's resistance when you try to move them anyway and I'm too scared to try to tug them. The black parts are the two halves of the scab that burst open.
[spoiler:1w4c9q7q]
[/spoiler:1w4c9q7q]
To give an idea of scale. the whole area is about the size of, um....my fingernail, maybe?
His activity level is fine, he's feisty and lovey and aside from really hating the water would let me touch it and probe around.
What do I do? Unfortunately at this precise moment I can't take him to the vet, I didn't get paid for my short-term disability from the surgery and had to dip into my savings to pay rent/doctor bills. If I absolutely have to I might be able to borrow some money but if there is ANY way I can handle this at home I'd really, really rather do that, between empty bank account and spazzing rat.
Should I be keeping him separate from the others? Should I be bandaging it or keeping it open? Do I pick the scab? How often do I wash it and do I use saline or hydrogen peroxide or...? gaaah I'm freaking out right now!
Also, I think he's chewing it. I've got him in his carrier next to the comp right now and he's definitely grooming at it/nibbling at the loose skin. That may well be how it got so much bigger than it was....gah.
....Help?
About a week ago, Stock and Beryl got into a fight, and it sliced open Beryl's tail. I'd been keeping an eye on the wound, which had scabbed over and seemed to be healing OK; I was rinsing it out every day, but wasn't sure if I should peel the scab or let it heal on its own and cleaning it was making him spazz out so bad...so I didn't peel the scab, just rinsed it in water and checked for inflammation, pus, pain, etc. Yesterday, I noticed that his tail seemed more swollen than it had been, and the scab seemed about twice as big as it had been, but I convinced myself I was imagining things.
Then, today...blood, all over the cage shelf. I freaked out, plucked him out, and saw that his tail-scab had split open (or he'd chewed it open, or his brother bit him, or...something) and the area was more swollen. I went to go rinse it out, to get a better idea of how bad it is. There's a slight "infection" smell, too...I recognize the smell from when Echo's tumor ulcerated and it brings back such awful memories that now I'm freaking out bad.
Got some pictures:
[spoiler:1w4c9q7q]
As close-up as I could get. The white-ish parts are tissue of some kind (I think), there's resistance when you try to move them anyway and I'm too scared to try to tug them. The black parts are the two halves of the scab that burst open.
[spoiler:1w4c9q7q]
To give an idea of scale. the whole area is about the size of, um....my fingernail, maybe?
His activity level is fine, he's feisty and lovey and aside from really hating the water would let me touch it and probe around.
What do I do? Unfortunately at this precise moment I can't take him to the vet, I didn't get paid for my short-term disability from the surgery and had to dip into my savings to pay rent/doctor bills. If I absolutely have to I might be able to borrow some money but if there is ANY way I can handle this at home I'd really, really rather do that, between empty bank account and spazzing rat.
Should I be keeping him separate from the others? Should I be bandaging it or keeping it open? Do I pick the scab? How often do I wash it and do I use saline or hydrogen peroxide or...? gaaah I'm freaking out right now!
Also, I think he's chewing it. I've got him in his carrier next to the comp right now and he's definitely grooming at it/nibbling at the loose skin. That may well be how it got so much bigger than it was....gah.
....Help?
He's snoozing now. He will not be happy with me come soaking-time. At least I have tomorrow off work so I can 1.) talk to the vet, 2.) yell at payroll for not paying me what I was owed and 3.) keep an eye on him. And sleep somewhere in there, since I didn't do any of that last night.