[Stephanie]

OK so i tried doing introductions with sniffs, Sebastian (already cage mates) and Steve. Steve just got neutered two weeks ago and i figured since he has been doing so well I would start simple introductions. Well At first everyone was fine. Sniffs would wander over to Steve and no fights then all **** broke loose. It only lasted two seconds but sniffs got tore up (see pictures below) Now these pictures were taken last night and it has been at least four days since the introduction and the fight. I am a little concerned with how the cut looks. I know they heal quick so i was expecting a scab already but it is still very open. I have been cleaning it out with peroxide and bactine as well as putting neosporin on it. Do you think he should go to the vet??

 

[Night]

It can sometimes take up to 2 months after a neuter for all the hormones to really dissipate (you probably know that).

I can't tell by the pictures whether Sniff should go in for a check up - they're too blurry. But if it looks like that now, I can't imagine what it looked like right after it happened! Try cleaning it out with something milder than peroxide - like saline solution. You can make saline solution by boiling 8 oz of water and adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Of course, let it cool down and get to room temperature before using! Clean out the laceration twice a day, or more if he gets something on/in it.

If it still looks "open" like it does now in a couple of days, even with the new cleansing routine, I'd take him in to be looked at. It might be a good idea to do that anyway, even if it does close up, because cuts/bites like that are extremely prone to developing abscesses, so a round of antibiotics might be necessary.

 

[Stephanie]

thanks Night i will do the saline solution tonight i already have him on antibiotics for it LoL i have dealt with alot of abbsess's in the past. It is getting cleaned out three times a day and there is no puss or anything just real nasty looking sniffs has been bit before by other rats and never developed an abscess LoL hopefully this one won't either!

 

[2manyrats]

Peroxide should only be used for *very* dirty cuts - it kills new cells.

 

[Stephanie]

the peroxide solution i used is 1 part peroxide 2 parts water it seems to be healing now thank god LoL though i am a little worried that it will abscess but i iwll deal with that if it happens.

Thanks so much for the advice guys i really appreciate it i am such a paranoid rat mom LoL

 

[Nazarath]

Perox does work but I've been told by my doctor not to use it too much because it eats away tissue, Yes the dead stuff but sometimes if used too much it will start eating normal healthy tissue. If you can find some Dettol I've found it's the same as perox. without the sting or tissue eating. So like 2manyrats said lol.