How should I treat a rat that has blood coming from its eye? - briefly
Observe the rat for other signs, keep it warm and undisturbed, and transport it promptly to a qualified «veterinarian» without trying to clean the eye. Immediate professional treatment is required to prevent infection and protect vision.
How should I treat a rat that has blood coming from its eye? - in detail
When a rodent presents with blood leaking from the eye, immediate attention is required to prevent infection and preserve vision.
First, isolate the animal in a quiet, temperature‑controlled environment to reduce stress. Examine the eye carefully with a bright light, noting the source of bleeding, presence of swelling, discharge, or signs of trauma. If the animal is uncooperative, gently restrain using a towel or a small animal restrainer, avoiding pressure on the orbital region.
Next, clean the peri‑ocular area. Use sterile saline or a mild, isotonic ophthalmic rinse applied with a sterile gauze pad. Remove any crusted material, but do not scrub the ocular surface. After cleaning, apply a broad‑spectrum topical antibiotic ointment to the affected eye to inhibit bacterial colonization. Typical options include:
- Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment
- Trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole ophthalmic preparation
If the bleeding originates from a superficial tear of the conjunctiva, the ointment alone may suffice. For deeper or persistent hemorrhage, systemic antibiotics such as enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg subcutaneously every 12 hours) are recommended for 5–7 days.
Pain management is essential. Administer an analgesic appropriate for rodents, for example meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg orally once daily) or buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg subcutaneously every 8–12 hours). Monitor the animal for signs of discomfort, reduced food intake, or altered behavior.
Diagnostic evaluation should include:
- Visual inspection for foreign bodies or lacerations
- Fluorescein staining to detect corneal abrasions
- If available, slit‑lamp examination for detailed assessment
In cases of suspected internal injury, such as retro‑bulbar hemorrhage, refer to a veterinary ophthalmologist for imaging (ultrasound or CT) and possible surgical intervention.
Finally, observe the rat for at least 48 hours. Check daily for:
- Reduction in bleeding
- Absence of increasing swelling or discharge
- Normal grooming and eating behavior
If symptoms worsen, seek professional veterinary care promptly. Prevent recurrence by maintaining a clean cage, providing adequate enrichment to avoid aggressive interactions, and handling the animal gently to minimize accidental trauma.