Dewey hurt his front toe :(

[missnikki]

I'm not sure what he did to it, but I noticed this morning he was excessively cleaning his front paws ... took a look and one of his ratty toes on the front paw is red and a bit swollen underneath the nail. I'm guessing he caught it on something but not sure what.

Should I get antibiotics for this or let it heal naturally? I wiped his paws with a wet washcloth - all I can think to do for now. He is not limping or having trouble walking or anything.

 

[hopefloats]

I would just watch it. Toe injuries are pretty common. Pain meds will help with swelling usually. Just make sure it doesn't swell up to much...

 

[missnikki]

Okay, thanks.

It hasn't swollen up much - so far so good. :nod:

 

[missnikki]

Looks worse this morning - almost like there is blood under the skin of the toe and under the nail ... but there is no liquid coming out, and he is still walking on it, using it to hold food, etc. etc. I called the vet and waiting for a call back so I know what hours my favorite rat doctor is in ...

Edit: What should I expect the doc to give me for his toe when I go ((if she does think it is an infection or something)) ? Baytril?

 

[hopefloats]

Can you post a picture of it?

 

[jorats]

Personally, I wouldn't see a vet. It's so very common and it does take a while to heal on it's own.
If you saw the swelling or redness spread to the whole paw and up the arm, then I'd bring to a vet in case it's cellulitis.

 

[missnikki]

His toe has healed well! He's a great boy. No nail has grown back yet but he isn't bothered.

 

[mamarat]

:joy: That's great!

 

[EDK]

Phew good news