Why is my newly adopted rat's toe swollen? Is it bumblefoot or injury?

Thanks for reaching out about Remy and including a photo. Pododermatitis is usually a lesion on the bottom surface of the feet. This appears to be torn toe nails, that are probably painful. Is is possible she caught her toes on some fabric? If she is painful, a veterinary visit is recommended for analgesia and possible antibiotics. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Bran and including photos. The toe also seems to be luxated and deviated medially (twisted). This could be primary swelling and inflammation from that trauma or a secondary infection. Infections can be bacterial or viral (pox). Pox viruses are generally self limiting but secondary infections need to be controlled. A topical antibiotic can be applied in a thin layer. Keep environment clean. If lesion worsens, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

You can try warm Epsom salt soaks to relieve swelling. Dissolve 1 tablespoon in 1 cup of warm water. If he will stand in it with the foot submerged, allow it for about 20-30 minutes. If he is wiggling, soak cotton balls with the solution and place on the foot for the recommended length of time. Ideally, he shouldn't get any medication without first speaking with or having him examined by your veterinarian. Systemic antibiotics may be indicated to resolve the infection. Legally, we are prohibited from recommending doses of drugs in the absence of a physical exam and a patient-veterinarian-client relationship.

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!

In comparison with the other feet, there is marked swelling. This could be due to infection/bumblefoot. Ideally, Cedric should be examined by your veterinarian to confirm infection and treated if indicated.

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!

What a cute little hamster! That toe could be swollen from an infection, a small string partially wrapped deep around toe, a fracture, a mass growing there....it’s a lot of possibilities. I would say at this point if it has not resolved on its own, which it would do by now if it was just an injury, you need to see a vet to have it checked out. He may need antibiotic or anti inflammatory or even diagnostics such as X-rays or aspirate of the swelling.