What Can I Put on a Rat's Infected Wound?

Although rats are small pets, they are a big commitment. Rats require a lot of space, playtime and companionship with both humans and other rats. The good news is rats are fairly self-sufficient---they groom themselves and each other, only requiring the occasional bath. Rats usually don't need a veterinarian's attention because most injuries can heal themselves. However, infections of injuries can occur. Neosporin and other drugs can help the wound until it heals or until your rat sees a veterinarian.

  1. The Injury

    • One injury that usually heals itself is a tear in the tail skin, known as degloving. The skin will heal or die and fall off.

      Limping can indicate an injury from a fall or a cagemate. A sprain or bruise will heal itself. If there is little to no swelling, you can give your rat 132 mg/kg of Ibuprofen twice per day. However, swelling likely indicates a broken limb, and you should take your rat to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. If your rat is stumbling, staggering, falling over or can't climb, this indicates an ear infection or brain tumor. Take your rat to a veterinarian immediately.

      Alternatively, scratches are common and usually heal without veterinarian assistance, but monitor their progress to determine if treatment is necessary.

    Treatment at Home

    • To prevent infection, your rat's wound should be kept clean and dry. To begin, stop any bleeding by wrapping the injury in a clean towel. Mix a saline solution made of one teaspoon of salt and one pint of warm water. Apply this to the injury and pat dry. Then apply an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin, Polysporin or Bacitracin. Keep an eye on the wound because it can still become infected.

      Pus and bad smell will be the most obvious indicators of an infected wound. If there is no improvement after a few days, take your rat to see a veterinarian.

    Administering the Medication

    • Your veterinarian will probably prescribe a liquid antibiotic for your rat. If your rat is weak enough, it may be easy to syringe the medicine straight into its mouth. Sit on the floor with your knees bent up, put the rat on its back in between your knees and place the dropper up to the mouth. Typically it will lick the dropper as you let the liquid slowly come out.

      If your rat is still feisty, it won't like to be held down on its back. An alternative is to mix the medication in with some of your rat's favorite food. Some tasty ideas include yogurt, a little peanut butter or baby food.

    Bumblefoot

    • Wire cages allow for ventilation but, unfortunately, the wire cage floor can irritate your rat's heel and cause a yellowish ulcer. This condition is called pododermatitis, also known as bumblefoot. One treatment option is an antiseptic spray called Blu-Kote, commonly used on horses and cattle. Clean and spray the infected area lightly once or twice per day until the wound heals.

    External Parasites

    • Rats are susceptible to external parasites like lice and mites, which cause irritation to the skin. Lice are often visible. Mites are not visible because they live deep in hair follicles, but symptoms include excessive scratching and self-inflicted wounds from scratching. One remedy for lice and mites is an anti-parasitic agent called Selamectin. Selamectin is a prescription drug, so take your rat to see a veterinarian if you suspect external parasites.