okay so I took my rats out today and noticed one had a sorta bruised red looking ring around her tail near the tip like it got caught or something. I dont think its a bite or anything because it is around the tail, not like one side or anything like a ring. Though it could be a bite im not sure.
I dont know where she got it from though I think it might have been this morning, I heard her scream but by the time I got to the cage she was fine and just wanted to be held.
It doesnt seem to be hurting her, she lets me touch it though it looks kind of red and irritated and she holds it up like its sore. Is there anything I can do to make sure it doesnt get infected with out hurting her?
Don't worry about it. Rats have crazy quick metabolisms and as a result heal very quickly. If it is not bleeding, severed or bent, you likely have bruise that will heal overnight, or you have some discoloration from urine build up. She herself does not seemed to be overly concerned. I wouldn't worry about.
If it looks like a scratch or any skin is broken you can actually just apply an over the counter antibiotic cream like Polysporin. Otherwise it could be something called: Ringtail which starts at the tip of the tail. Consider using the cream and if after 24hrs its still there go to a vet. Make sure to ask first if they have someone who has experience working with small mammals. It really makes a difference .
Rat's tails are strange things, and honestly there's one of two possibilities
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1. It's nothing, Rat's tails often develop discoloration throughout their lives.
2. Whether it's a major or minor tail injury, worst case scenario is tail degloving. Basically, if the damage is severe enough, they will lose the tail or segment of tail, it looks terrible, but isn't fatal. If it's broken , she'll probably end up losing that part of the tail. If it's just red, it might be some sort of irritation.
If it doesn't get better or starts to get worse, schedule a vet appointment. But really, it's probably nothing, probably a minor injury sustained in some cage mate rough housing.
