[askincharlie]

Hey,
I went to get my rat out of her cage this afternoon and found that one side of her face has swollen up. It’s the right side of her face and it’s mainly under her eye and in her cheek. Her eye is weeping lots of red discharge and there is also a bit from her nose as well. She is also sneezing quite a lot this morning but the swelling has gone down slightly. I felt it und I am pretty sure it is just swelling and not a tumour. Apart from being slightly fluffed up and sneezing she is well in herself and is still eating and drinking and exploring. She did squeak this morning when I tried to lift her out of my top which is something she never does. My parents don’t allow me to keep my rats cage in my room so they are in the laundry, I was wondering if maybe another rat or something scratched or but her through the bars. She is very aggressive so if another animal did wonder past their cage she would have tried to attack I haven’t put them back in their cage just in case and they spent the night with me. Does anyone know what this could be or what I should do?

 

[SonicRat]

It could be an infection.She needs a vet visit and assessment as facial swelling will be likely causing her pain.

 

[askincharlie]

It could be an infection.She needs a vet visit and assessment as facial swelling will be likely causing her pain.

Thanks! My father is a vet and we had some friends round this evening who are also vets. I got them to assess her as well as they could and they reccommended antibiotics and anti-inflammitorys which dad is going to get me from the clinic tomorrow. Hopefully it will help if not I will take her in for a proper check up and potentially surgery if it is an abscess that needs removing or lancing.

 

[SonicRat]

I hope it works,all the best to you both

 

[Tinytoes]

Yes, an infection. Get some antibiotics started and keep her hydrated and eating nutritious foods. An abscess that close to the eye is not likely to be a good candidate for lancing.

 

[Ratty_123]

Do you have a picture of it?

 

[askincharlie]

Hey just an update, I put her on the antibiotic and the swelling went down within the next couple of days. Her eye then went all cloudy and bulged out, I was worried she was going to lose it and she was constantly sneezing but seemed to be getting better. Anyway I kept her on the baytril and now she is completely recovered. Still not entirely sure what the problem was thinking it was some sort of respiratory infections that blocked up her nose and caused her face to swell. Thanks for the advice guys!!!