What is wrong with Megan's skin?!

[Arlene]

I've asked about this before, but it seems to be much more serious now. Megan has had problems with the skin on part of her tail for over a year now. It started out as what looked like blackheads and small pockets of pus. I soaked her in warm water and washed her tail every day. The blackheads and infection went away but was replaced slowly by the outside layer of her skin which includes the rings fell off. Part of her tail looks like a dry twig. I've tried putting aloe, vitamin E, olive oil and soaked it in oatmeal baths. What is really frightening is that this "infection" has now invaded her feet. This morning, her nose looks red and rough and is beginning to look like her feet! I'm really scared. It looks like her skin is drying up and falling off! I'm taking her to the vet on Monday for sure, but in the meantime, does anyone have any idea what it might be?

 

[jorats]

I wonder if it could be fungal? there's a product for pets, it's a shampoo called Oxydex.

Here's the description:

Effective in the treatment of superficial and deep pyodermas - "hotspots", impetigo and folliculitis, OxyDex Shampoo is an efficacious, antimicrobial, degreasing, cleansing and moisturizing formulation. OxyDex Shampoo may also be used as a routine antiseptic shampoo, especially prior to demodicosis treatments. OxyDex Shampoo contains sodium lactate, a natural moisturizing factor, to promote hydration of the skin and diminish dryness caused by benzoyl peroxide.

Might be worth a try?

 

[Godmother]

That really does sound fungal. Poor sweetie. Could you please post a photo so that we could recognize it if it happened to our ratties in the future? It sounds scary for sure, the way it has affected her tail.

I sure hope that the vet can find you a good solution. Kisses to your ratty.

 

[Arlene]

Unfortunately, I am not good with pictures, but I had my husband take some and I will try and post them. Thanks for the encouragement.

 

[Arlene]

This is the best picture I could get. It's very difficult to see.

 

[lilspaz68]

Arlene send me the full size pic in the email and i'll resize it for you.

We cannot see that at all. No possibility of ringtail right?

 

[lilspaz68]

Here are the pics

Whole tail

Closeup on tail

And her little hind feet

 

[Fidget]

I think people are right suggesting fungal. That's not a usual rat ailment. Have you tried using polysporin on it? I'd try that first for the medicinal properties that just washing wouldn't have. If it doesn't help then it might be a fungal thing.
Or my girl Savanna had a skin condition (tho nothing like that - more like mites sores that weren't from mites) and I got Oribiotic ointment from the vet and that cleared it up.

You just have to find the right treatment. If polysporin doesn't work maybe it's vet time (I wouldn't trust any topical antifungal meds on her as she'll lick them and we don't know if they're safe that way).

You just have to find the right treatment. Something's gonna fix her up and she'll be all ok!

 

[lilspaz68]

For some reason it looks like a staph infection or pyoderma to me.

http://ratguide.com/health/figures/pyod ... gure_2.php

I would do broad-spectrum abs, topicals and a steroid for any itchiness etc.

 

[jorats]

From the ratguide, it doesn't look like it's conclusive.
It almost looks like a severe case of self barbering.

 

[lilspaz68]

I asked bout the pain and irritation and I believe she leaves it alone, she is agitated and doesn't like it touched.

 

[Arlene]

Thanks for posting the pics for me, Shelagh. I'm just no good at this resizing thing! Megan's skin looks redder than before on her nose and arms and hands or maybe I am just imagining it because I am so upset. Why does it always seem that they get worse on weekends?

As little and frail as she is, since she also has rear end weakness, she's feisty! Someone else hold her for me to be able to do anything. She starts contorting her body and swinging her arms and legs! I'm afraid she is going to break herself in half! She doesn't bother it herself either.


I wish I have been more aggressive with this but it's not like I have ignored her. I've been trying to find a solution for months! I've gotten so much conflicting information that i just didn't know what to do. Everything seems to make it worse or not help it. Will a skin scraping tell me what it is? I'm going to take all the wonderful advice I've gotten from all of you to the vet with me. Dr. Guth is very open to what we "rat experts" have to say, even telling me to check with my rat friends and see what they think about things.

I know I am rambling here, but I appreciate having good people to ramble with. Thanks to everyone!

 

[Moon]

Arlene, I do hope you find an answer! *hug*

 

[mamarat]

Could she have someone barbering her? Jedy was doing that to Dewi and it looked like that from what I can see on the pic.

 

[jorats]

I would recommend getting a skin biopsy. That should get you some answers.

 

[Willow Bean]

Oh my!! The poor dear... I hope that everything gets figured out soon. It looks like a fungal infection to me as well. That's what I first thought when I saw it. I agree with Jo... I would get a skin biopsy done and hopefully that will tell you something about what's going on.

In the meantime *hugs to you and your little lady*

 

[Arlene]

Megan has a vet appointment at 11:50 tomorrow morning. I'll be sure to let you know what her doctor says.

 

[Arlene]

Here is another picture of Megan. If you look hard, you can see the rash on her ears, hands and little nose.

Aren't you proud of me Shelagh! I finally figured it out! :bliss: :bliss: :bliss: :bliss:

 

[lilspaz68]

I knew you could do it Arlene!! :thumbup:

Poor little Megan, what a sweet face.

Are you going to ask for a culture of the skin/affected area?

 

[jorats]

I do see it. How odd. Hopefully the vet will do a skin biopsy and send it away. I'm very curious now. Be sure to let us know what he says.

BTW, what a pretty little thing.