Broken bone?

[Marwee]

It was last night that I noticed it had gotten significantly worse. His foot just keeps swelling up. Yes the pictures were both taken same time last night, I live in St.Thomas, Ontario, Canada.

I can't bring him to the vet though, I want to but they want $60 just to walk in.

Will the baby advil help with the infection??? I've been keeping rats for 7 years and this is the first time this has happened to one of my rats. I really do not know what to do.

http://www.sandyscrittercity.com/swolle ... ection.htm

I came across a page ^
it mentions a drug for bacterial infection. A drug called trimethoprim-sulfa. ?

 

[TheRatQueen]

Advil is for pain. And will do NOTHING for an infection. You need to get antibiotics. Or more than likely the poor boy will pass.

 

[Cinderwolf]

I agree, he needs to see a vet. Calla round and see if there is a vet that will take a payment plan so you can pay in small amounts. If he is left like that he will either pass or at the least need to have his foot amputated and that's wayyyy more expensive than antibiotics.

 

[victoria]

It was last night that I noticed it had gotten significantly worse. His foot just keeps swelling up. Yes the pictures were both taken same time last night, I live in St.Thomas, Ontario, Canada.

I can't bring him to the vet though, I want to but they want $60 just to walk in.

Will the baby advil help with the infection??? I've been keeping rats for 7 years and this is the first time this has happened to one of my rats. I really do not know what to do.

http://www.sandyscrittercity.com/swolle ... ection.htm

I came across a page ^
it mentions a drug for bacterial infection. A drug called trimethoprim-sulfa. ?

Trim-sulfa is an antibiotic, available only from a vet.

 

[hopefloats]

It was last night that I noticed it had gotten significantly worse. His foot just keeps swelling up. Yes the pictures were both taken same time last night, I live in St.Thomas, Ontario, Canada.

I can't bring him to the vet though, I want to but they want $60 just to walk in.

Will the baby advil help with the infection??? I've been keeping rats for 7 years and this is the first time this has happened to one of my rats. I really do not know what to do.

http://www.sandyscrittercity.com/swolle ... ection.htm

I came across a page ^
it mentions a drug for bacterial infection. A drug called trimethoprim-sulfa. ?

What part of canada are you in? Maybe some members can help you find a cheaper local vet. There is nothing over therefore counter that will help. This is really a bad sore. Some offer financial assistance call them and ask.

 

[jorats]

If it's a sprain, the swelling should start to go down real soon, within a day. If not, he will need antibiotic from a vet.

 

[Marwee]

I live in Ontario.

I'm going to go call around and ask about a payment plan!

 

[Marwee]

The vets are closed and won't open till Monday. Will he be okay for another few days??
I only found 2 vets that take rats.

 

[victoria]

The vets are closed and won't open till Monday. Will he be okay for another few days??
I only found 2 vets that take rats.

It doesn't sound like you have a choice to wait until Monday but I do think he will need to go in ASAP on Monday. $60 for a check up is pretty standard for a rat in Ontario, vets in larger cities charge as much as $80 per exam. You're better off to pay a little more for a vet that's experienced treating rats than a lesser amount for a vet that's inexperienced and then having to go to the experienced vet anyway.

 

[Joanne]

Yikes! I agree with everyone else that it doesn't look like bumble foot, but rather cellulitis, which is basically an infection that has spread into the tissue. He needs painkillers (Ibuprofen) but that will only help the pain and will not treat the infection. He needs antibiotics for that. He definitely needs to see a vet. The problem is that the infection can spread throughout his whole body and kill him if it's severe enough. That is why we are all so concerned about him. I hope you can get him in soon! Maybe a few friends would be able to help you - borrow $20 from three people rather than trying to borrow all $60 at once? Good luck!

 

[hopefloats]

For now you need to get infant ibuprofen and you can try a warm epsom salt soak. Put it in a big bowl with warm water ans a tablespoon of epsom salt. Do it a few times a day. It is better than doing nothing

 

[Marwee]

Will regular salt do in place of epsom?
His foot is bleeding a little on the outside. On the bottom of his foot..

Thanks everyone who has helped me so far! I'm hoping to call first thing tomorrow morning and and get him to the vets. :cuddle:

 

[victoria]

If you don't have epsom salts, table salt will do but epsom would be better if you could get your hands on them. They're usually pretty reasonably priced at the drug store if you have one close by.

 

[TheRatQueen]

Or even a dollar store. They usually always have it.

 

[Cinderwolf]

Did this boy get into a vet? How is he doing?

 

[Marwee]

Everything is going to be just fine for Marshmellow. He had an infection in his foot, just like I thought he did. He had an abscess and it burst. He's been prescribed pain medication and antibiotics which taste like raspberry and honey. Or at least that is what I'm told and what it smells like. Hopefully by the time his medicine is done(14 days) he will be walking and jumping around again. XD Every time the vet tried giving him the medicine he would put his paw up and push it out of her hands. Smart little fellow.
Oh yeah and apparently he's a bit on the porky side. She had trouble finding his ribs..heh heh. He weighs 52 ounces almost a pound. Apparently that is a little too much for a ratty. Lay off on the popcorn she said(he had some in his carrier with him) ^^

Thanks all for the help! :heart:

 

[TheRatQueen]

Glad you were able to get in!!! Goodluck with him.

And yes! That's one big fella!

 

[mamarat]

Sending healing vibes to your sweetie.

 

[Joanne]

Phew! I'm so glad that his abscess burst and that he's going to be on antibiotics. Here's hoping he's a quick healer. I'm sure he feels so much better now that the pressure has receded. :thumbup:

 

[Cinderwolf]

So glad to hear! haha Thats nothing my boy is 625 haha nearly a pound and a half. All depends on the rats length adn build haha, but yea popcorn isnt great haha