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My rat's tail has exposed bone. Will it heal or get an infection?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My rat has lost 15mm off tip of tail, all the skin is gone with inside (bone?) showing . Will he get an infection? And will it heal ok?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 13th, 2016

It sounds like he has a degloving injury to his tail. If there is bone showing, then he needs to see a vet right away. This can easily get infected, and he will need antibiotics to prevent it. In a degloving injury of a rat's tail, the skin and tissue do not grow back, and the bone showing may need to be removed surgically. This will be painful to him as well, and he will need pain medications for it. I would take him into a vet now.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
HE will not heal OK without treatment, you must take him to the vet first thing in the morning, they will need to remove this part of the tail surgically (under anesthesia, quick procedure in rats) and he will need to take some antibiotics and pain killers for a couple days.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 28th, 2018
Hello!

I think your home care for keeping the wound clean is excellent! I love the rinsing with saline and the changing of bedding, many people forget these things.

I would recommend taking Rowena into a vet when possible though.
Acetominophen is a good anti-inflammatory, but not a very good pain reliever. These tail injuries often have exposed and enlarged nerves at the end, so we recommend amputation for best quality of life. They do hide pain well, but I would recommend ensuring with a vet that there is no nerve pain in the damaged area before continuing with only wound care.

I hope you find this helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on September 17th, 2018
A minor wound may heal on it's own as long as you keep the area clean and dry. Use a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution to gently clean the wound. It could be painful, so a visit to your veterinarian for an exam would be indicated. Your vet can dispense medication for pain and antibiotics if indicated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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