Bethleham and Bessie injured

[SQ]

Bethleham had the end of her tail almost completely severed last night.
I have no idea what happened.
Everyone had been out free ranging, returned to their cage and then she started running around in pain and terror, crying everytime she moved.
When I removed her from the cage she squirmed free and it took about an hour to win her confidence enough to capture her and give her some metacam. Eventually her tail stoped bleeding.
She spent the night in a carrier with a shoe box to hide in, food, water and treats.
Normally I would never seperate rats for illness or injury but I didn't want the others increase her pain and terror by brushing up against her tail. I was afraid to return her to her friends as it seemed that whenever she moved the pain made her think someone was attacking her.
This morning before leaving I gave her more metacam and some clavamox.
Bethleham seemed to still be in a lot of pain, and quite frightened.
I am planning on reuniting her when I return home later today.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Yesterday evening when everyone was out free ranging, someone bit Bessie's tail (I think as I didn't notice it earlier).
It has a puncture, is badly bruised and swollen.
I guess I should have given her some metacam but didn't think of it as she seemed to be doing ok ... and others weren't.

(edited to fix spelling)

 

[mamarat]

Wow you can't catch a break! Sorry I can't help but sending lots of healing vibes to your sweeties.
That happened to one of mine when he caught his tail under the coroplast during out time.

 

[jorats]

She will be hurting for a while but it should heal fast enough. Keep up the metacam and abs. In about a couple of days, you should be able to put her back with her buddies.
It sounds like you have a rat going after the tails. Can you find that rat and check him/her out in case they are not feeling well?

 

[SQ]

She will be hurting for a while but it should heal fast enough. Keep up the metacam and abs. In about a couple of days, you should be able to put her back with her buddies.
It sounds like you have a rat going after the tails. Can you find that rat and check him/her out in case they are not feeling well?

Thank you for the suggestions.
I will wait a couple of days before putting Bethleham back in with her friends.

Last night Seth was upset and fighting with his cagemates during out time.
Christmas was out free ranging prior to this group and Easter & her kids were out in the area the previous night,
so I thought that might be why Seth was so upset.
Seth seemed to be fine when I examined him ...
but I do not know if he was biting tails. When I saw him he was chasing and boxing etc. so someone else may have been attacking tails.
I also moved Christmas' cage closer to their cage but still out of grabbing distance.
It is possible (but unlikely) that a tail could stick out of their (CN) cage bars and into his (CN) cage.

 

[EDK]

Poor little guys, I hope the little tail biter cluprit is caught and sorted out

 

[jennifervb]

OMG... the poor, little, things!!!! :shock: :sad3:

Please give both Bethleham and Bessie lots of kisses from me. :heart:

Hang in there, SQ. They will recover. :hugs:

 

[SQ]

Both girls are doing well, although Bethleham may lose the end of her tail.
After running around with her group in the play area for several hours yesterday, Bethleham returned to the large group's cage.
Lots of squeeking and a bit of power grooming but she seemed to prefer to be home with them.

 

[jorats]

Oh good!

 

[littlematchstick]

about 3 years ago..I had a horrible incident similiar to this happen. I had me a mean grumpy rat (I ended up finally surrendering him to a rescue to be neutered)..I had him seperated from my other boy by dividing the cage in half (top/bottom). I never thought about putting the meanie on top..I had friendly boy on top, and meanie on bottom, and my friendly boy (his name/nickname- was pooper) had his tail hanging out the side of the cage..and before I could even figure out what happened- meanie boy reached through the bar - pulled it in, and bit it CLEAN OFF...of course it was late at night, I had no idea what to do. He was in major pain (about an inch or so of his tail had been bitten off). I ended up using styptic powder to stop the bleeding and put him in a clean small animal carrier for the night. The next day..meanie went on top, and nice boy went on the bottom..boy that was a hard lesson I had to learn! Anyway, I had him on an antibiotic and childrens pain medicine--he healed up great..with a shorter tail of course..I tried him with 2 other boys, but they ended up fighting with him constantly too..I never did figure out why he couldn't have friends..he loved everyone--but he was always picked on...but rest assured..he was loved til the end..short version..it was SOO terrifying..but he healed up great..glad to hear yours is on the mend!