How do dead rats look? - briefly
A dead rat presents a limp, pale carcass with fur that may appear dull or darkened, especially around the abdomen, and often shows discoloration or bruising. Its eyes are usually clouded or sunken, and the skin may exhibit rigor mortis or early signs of decomposition.
How do dead rats look? - in detail
A deceased rat typically presents a limp, flattened body where muscle tone is absent. The fur may appear dull, clumped, or matted, often losing its natural sheen. Skin can become lax, exposing underlying flesh, and may show a slight pallor or grayish tint as blood settles post‑mortem.
Key visual indicators include:
- Rigor mortis: joints stiffen, causing the limbs to lock in a fixed position, often with the forepaws curled inward.
- Discoloration: livor mortis creates dark patches where blood pools, usually on the underside or side lying against a surface.
- Eye condition: corneas become cloudy or opacified; pupils may be fixed and dilated.
- Mouth and nose: oral cavity may be open, with tongue visible; nasal passages can appear collapsed.
- Tail: loses its natural curvature, becoming straight or slightly limp, sometimes showing signs of autolysis at the tip.
During early decomposition, the carcass emits a faint, musky odor; the skin may begin to separate from muscle, and small insects may be present. Advanced stages involve tissue breakdown, leading to a bloated abdomen, skin slippage, and eventual skeletonization, where only bones and cartilage remain.
Overall, the visual profile shifts from a rigid, discolored form shortly after death to a progressively deteriorated state, characterized by loss of muscular firmness, skin integrity, and distinctive anatomical features.