Just doing my duty [Penis trouble] "Poor Oskar"

[Ria]

This was about a month ago now, but I thought I'd post to tell you how Oskar has been!
I came home from college one day to find him scrambling about in his cage. And excessively grooming himself in his manly area ;D

I picked him up to see what the trouble was, and it was as clear as anything there was a problem. His lil man was poking out, and it refused to go back in. Poor Oskar, he looked terribly uncomfortable!
Nothing I could do that night as vets had already closed. I googled how to help him and I lubed ''water based'' him up to stop it from drying and scabbing.

By the next day it was no longer red, but... purple. Instantly phoned the vets, what an awkward phone call that was because they always ask that magic question "And what seems to be the problem" ... errrrm.

Took him to the vets, it's safe to say he was indeed violated by the vet, but she did successfully get the 'lil man' to return home, if you get my meaaaning! In doing so squeezed out a cheesy little plug. Turned out, Oskar got a little slack on his cleaning. Caused a build up, which then forced out his willy. Thankfully his bladder was empty so he had been peeing. But she did give him two jabs of some antibiotic too, so I think she thought he had an infection anyway.

And since then it's my duty to ensure he is clean down there. I now check him daily, + for a week prior to that vet visit I was squeezing out cheesy plugs "bless him". BUT there is a happy ending, no more penis plugs, he's obviously started cleaning a whole lot more. Been two months since that little episode!

 

[mamarat]

That is good news. Glad Oskar is doing well now.

 

[Ria]

Thank you, me too! It's a shame it happened, as I don't know his exact age, so it seems to be a sign that he really is getting old. He was a fully grown adult when I adopted him. I know I have owned him going on a year now.

I wish he could live forever, I love him soooo dearly, my best friend, <3

 

[jorats]

Paraphimosis is not fun to deal with. Usually with some rats a good lube job does the trick.
Penis plug cleaning is part of rattie man maintenance for intact males. I've never had to deal with one with a neutered male.
Glad your sweet boy turned out ok. He sounds like a real love.

 

[Ria]

I felt really sorry for him each time I had to check him, I never had any problems before. I put it down to him having a lazy month! <- since then tho, I always have cotton buds on hand ready to help him clean!

I was always tempted to ask about getting Oskar neutered, as he had a problem with secreting ?oils.. or sweat? a little more than he should be, creating a bit of a skin complaint. Though I then went against it I really didn't want to risk putting him under not fully knowing his age! The skin complaint soon calmed down though with monthly showers.

He is a great rat, best I have ever had over the years, even when the vet was clearly causing him discomfort he did not bite her!


I recently bought a parrot, who isn't too sure of Oskar. He even screamed at Oskar once when he went to see him. Oskar is so oblivious, all he wants to do is be friends which is so cute and funny at the same time! Also I think buying this new companion has really perked Oskar up, giving him a new lease of life!