Swollen Paw

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Sam

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2009
Messages
101
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Hi,

Today I noticed that one of my rat's front paw is swollen near the "ankle" area. It's only about 1.5 times the normal size, warmish to the touch, and just a little purple/blue. As far as I can see, the skin is not broken, although there could always be a tiny cut that I couldn't see. She walks on it fine, and doesn't seem to mind me handling it.

I clean their cage twice a day, wiping everything down and changing their bedding (paper towels). They are litter trained. Generally, their living environment is quite clean.

She eats, sleeps, plays etc like she always does.

I am concerned that this is an infection. Does she need to go to the vet now? Should I wait to see if it will get better on it's own?

Thanks
 
I hope that one of the super-experienced people can answer this. Usually it's a good sign if the rat doesn't mind having the swelling touched, and people often report rats recovering very fast from sprains, etc. Keep a close eye on her in case things get worse fast.
 
Rats are quite prone to sprains. Keep her in a smaller space and limit her climbing for now so she doesn't hurt it any more than she already might have. She might need pain medicine.... like it would be for us, a sprain or break might be sore.

The other option is cellulitis, does it look anything like this? It might swell up more after. Monkey had cellulitis, but she didn't put the foot down, and 24 hours later, it was massive.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/ ... ics063.jpg
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj21 ... litis3.jpg

I know that both pics are the back foot though.
 
What Rachael said... foot sprains are so common. She should star to heal in about 4 to 5 days. But if not, then it could be cellulitis and a vet check will be in order.
 
Thanks for the replies.

It doesn't look like the pictures, so I'm really hoping it's just a sprain. I'm just used to rats with sprains not walking on that foot, but she seems fine on it.

Anyways, I'll keep an eye on it and will take her to the vet if it doesn't get better in a few days.
 
I've had rats sprain their foot, and they still walk on it. If it's just mild it shouldn't be bothering her too much, hopefully it clears up in a couple days! Keep us updated.
 

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