My rat's bleeding toes and limping. Is it bumblefoot or something?

Thanks for reaching out about Calypso and including a photo. Don't believe this is bumble foot as that usually affects weight bearing areas. More likely an inflamed joint (previous dislocation) or an infection. Does it seem painful? Can you flex the toe? Anti-inflammatories or antibiotics could help the situation. If really painful and effecting walking, an amputation of the digit might give the best prognosis. Good luck.

Poor Dobby! While an abscess is definitely likely, especially if there is bleeding and discharge in the area, other things such as a growth may be to blame. The abscess may be caused by an infected wound or a pressure sore. It is a pretty painful condition that can spread to the underlying bone. It would be best to have Dobby looked at by a vet who can prescribe oral antibiotics and pain medication for him as soon as possible. I would be happy to answer any other questions you may have or look at photos of Dobby's foot!

From these photos, there is definitely some swelling, and possible ulceration. These are definitely signs consistent with bumblefoot, also known as pododermatitis. This is typically caused by increased pressure on the feet and results in bleeding and pain. This can unfortunately spread to the tissues such as muscles and tendons below, so I still recommend having Dobby looked at by a vet, just in case surgery or pain medication is necessary. Because the condition is caused by pressure on the feet, I recommend making sure that Dobby has soft, and very clean bedding as dirty bedding can cause an infection. You should avoid scratchy materials for bedding. Vetericyin ointment is okay for cleaning the area, you can also apply SSD (silver sulfadiazene) ointment to the area after cleaning. Dobby should definitely visit a vet if the condition continues to get worse over the next few days. I hope this helps!

That digit appears to be broken. The best option is to have your vet look at it. If the bone inside the toe is broken it may never heal and it may get infected. Rats don't tolerate topical medication well as they will usually lick it off as soon as you apply it. You can use this wound spray gel if you'd like as if he does ingest it, it is not toxic. I am very concerned this will not heal up without veterinary intervention.

Ouch, that can be a very painful condition when the raw nail bed is exposed or the nail isn't completely torn off. The nail bed does tend to bleed a lot. The best way to stop the bleeding is Styptic powder or Kwikstop, which are used for dogs who had their nails trimmer too short on accident. If you have some of that around, pour out a a bit (around 1/4 or 1/8th teaspoon) and dip your rat's bleeding foot/toe in it, then apply light pressure. You may need to repeat that a few times. If you don't have an styptic powder, do the same thing with flour or cornstarch. It will take a bit longer to stop the bleeding. Finally, if you can't stop the bleeding, he's limping, won't eat/drink/rest normally, or the bleeding keep starting again, he'll need to go the vet to make sure he doesn't need pain meds or antibiotics and to make sure the nail is fully removed. Good luck!

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to see that Remy is having this problem. Looks like he has an inflammatory process or infection of the nail bed and surrounding skin. These problems are often painful and usually cause a lot of licking and chewing which can definitely make the problem worse. I would advise taking Remy to your vet to have this evaluated or you could try some warm Epsom Salt soaks of the toe for 10 minutes two to three times daily. Put warm water and Epsom Salts in a basin and just have him stand in the basin while keeping him occupied with petting, treats, etc. If the area improves then you should be fine. If the irritation/infection gets worse then please see your vet for the appropriate treatment. Good luck with Remy.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Remy. Yes, I do recommend that he sees a veterinarian as there may be an infection present. The paw will be cleaned with a disinfecting solution to evaluate the pad under the scab. If a wound is present, antibiotics may be necessary. I hope this information helps!