[Rattymommikaandmori]

Mori, my roughly 2 year old rat, just got out of surgery a few hours ago and bit at her stitches. Its bleeding quite a bit, I'm wondering if I can put cornstarch on the area that's bleeding or if it will cause infection? Also is it normal for rats to be lethargic after surgery? She's eaten some lettuce and banana but she's just not moving a lot, and looks very out of it. Also her back left leg is completely dragging and she can't seem to walk on it. Please I need advice.

 

[ratsbian]

I would recommend calling your vet who preformed the surgery— they should be able to answer your questions and will hopefully be able to look her over if they believe that there some cause for concern. Sorry this isn’t more helpful but with the seriousness of surgery in small mammals, I think asking the vet is best, just in case.

That being said, I am concerned about her leg dragging and the stitch biting. You may be able to fashion a sock sweater for her to prevent her from getting at the surgery site any further in the mean time.

Please let us know how she is doing & I hope she is doing alright!