How do you treat rat paws? - briefly
Clean the wound with sterile saline, apply a topical antibiotic appropriate for rodents, and cover with a breathable bandage while monitoring for signs of infection; seek veterinary assistance promptly if swelling, discharge, or worsening condition occurs.
How do you treat rat paws? - in detail
Treating rat paws requires systematic assessment, proper wound management, and supportive care.
First, evaluate the condition. Observe for swelling, discoloration, discharge, or limping. Gently palpate to locate any foreign material, abscess, or fracture. If severe injury is suspected, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Cleaning the affected area is critical. Use sterile saline or a dilute chlorhexidine solution (0.05 %‑0.1 %). Apply the solution with a sterile gauze pad, removing debris and necrotic tissue. Rinse thoroughly to avoid chemical irritation.
After decontamination, apply appropriate medication. For bacterial infections, a broad‑spectrum antibiotic such as enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg orally or subcutaneously, once daily) is commonly prescribed for 5‑7 days. Topical agents like mupirocin ointment can be used for superficial lesions, applied twice daily. Analgesia, for example meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg orally, once daily), reduces pain and inflammation.
If the wound is open, protect it with a non‑adhesive dressing. Cut a piece of sterile gauze to fit the paw, then cover with a flexible self‑adhesive bandage. Ensure the bandage is snug but not restrictive; check circulation every few hours by observing color and temperature of the toes.
Environmental factors influence recovery. Keep the cage clean, provide soft bedding, and limit the animal’s activity for several days to prevent re‑injury. Maintain ambient temperature between 20‑24 °C and humidity around 50 % to promote healing.
Monitoring continues until the paw returns to normal appearance and function. Record changes in swelling, discharge, and gait daily. If symptoms worsen—such as increasing redness, foul odor, or loss of appetite—initiate a veterinary re‑evaluation promptly.