What should I do if a rat has blood coming from its eyes? - briefly
Immediately isolate the rat and contact a qualified veterinarian for emergency assessment; avoid feeding or handling the animal beyond necessary care. Provide a quiet, warm environment and keep the cage clean while awaiting professional treatment.
What should I do if a rat has blood coming from its eyes? - in detail
A rodent with blood leaking from its eyes signals an urgent health problem. First, separate the animal from any other pets and from sources of stress. Use gloves or a towel to handle it gently, avoiding further injury to the face.
Inspect the eye area. Look for obvious wounds, broken vessels, or foreign material. If a puncture or severe swelling is visible, treat it as a medical emergency. Do not attempt to clean the eye with water or solutions; inappropriate rinsing can worsen tissue damage.
Contact a qualified exotic‑animal veterinarian immediately. Provide details about the rat’s age, recent injuries, diet, and any signs of illness such as lethargy, nasal discharge, or abnormal behavior. Follow the professional’s instructions for transport: place the animal in a small, well‑ventilated carrier with soft bedding, keep the carrier in a quiet, temperature‑controlled space, and minimize handling during the journey.
While awaiting veterinary care, keep the rat warm but not overheated; a temperature of 70‑75 °F (21‑24 °C) is optimal. Ensure easy access to fresh water and a small amount of standard rodent food, but do not force feeding. Monitor for additional symptoms—bleeding from other sites, changes in breathing, or loss of coordination—and report them to the vet.
Possible underlying causes include traumatic injury, severe vitamin E or K deficiency, infectious agents such as Mycoplasma spp., or systemic conditions like coagulopathy. Accurate diagnosis requires a professional examination, laboratory testing, and possibly imaging.
After treatment, follow the veterinarian’s post‑care plan precisely. This may involve medication administration, dietary adjustments, and a period of isolation to prevent secondary infections. Regularly observe the eyes for recurrence of hemorrhage and maintain a clean, low‑stress environment to support recovery.