URGENT! BLEEDING RAT, looks like he got into come ravoli sauce, only on the outside of his nose, like a ring.?

Question

my pet rat, when i picked him up today, he has been sneezing ever since i got him, which is about 1.8 days, and untill now, i looked at his nose, it looks like blood, but he never gets into fights or even playfights with his brother, from what i understand, they are about 2 or more years, more being 2.2 years old, and thier cage was constantly neglected by the 10 year old who owned him, the previous owner wasnt too intellegent with her pets, nice and all, but just didnt know alot about them, i think her bird died because it loved chocolate too much, they havent been to the vet yet, so if anyone knows a good vet in the US, ontario, california aeria and how much it might cots to get them looked at, PLEASE REPLY. i just cleaned out thier cage, and its a 10gal fish tank with a wierd mashed cardbord like bedding, mostly like recycled paper, and it has a ramp that leads to a cage above, i havent had time to get to the pet store, something came up, so i had to feed them hamster food. help.

also, is it safe to give them un-sweetend cherios, the plain brand to a pet rat? how many is safe?

thank you, ill take him to a vet, ill to some research now, see if i can find exotic pet vet, i dont care howmuch it costs, alsong as its a reasonable price, i think bobby's vet does small animals.

also, he squirms when i try to pick him up, its soo sad hes old, the lady only wanted $25, and that in its own pays for the cage, and the rats, but i had to lie, we were really low on gas, and didnt have enough to get home. anyone know whare i can go about actuall hand handeling the rats, they might be too old for it, ill pickout the sunflower seeds and go first thing in the morning to get the food

Answer 1

The sneezing and discharge sounds like porphyrin, which is a not-uncommon response to stress (like moving to a new home).

http://kristinewickstrom.homestead.com/files/RFC_FAQs.html#porphyrin

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My rat's nose is bleeding!

It is probably not blood. The mucous and tear ducts of rats' contain a substance called porphyrin which gives their tears and "snot" a distinctive red coloration. Evidence of porphyrin is not really a reason for concern. Some rats will have a little in their eyes or nose when they first wake up - much like humans will wake up with "eye crusties". It is the amount which can signal problems. Excessive production can be a symptom of stress (such as a move to a new home, or a new cagemate), or can signal the beginnings of a respiratory infection. When in doubt, consult with your vet.
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Make sure to do your research on the types of bedding that's acceptable for rats - certain bedding is bad for them (cedar or pine, for example).

Unsweetened Cheerios are a good treat for rats, but be sure not to overdo it.

Take your time in handling the rats - if they're older and haven't been handled (or have been mishandled) it will take them a while to get used to you and learn that you won't hurt them. Hand-feeding them treats (the aforementioned Cheerios) is a good start. When they will take them from your fingers without hesitation, try holding the Cheerio up in the air, with your other hand near the floor of the cage, so that they have to rear up and put their front paws on your other hand to get them. Gradually move the Cheerio higher so they have to climb up on your hand to get them, etc. No sudden moves or squeezing, and don't rush them. I know you want to handle and play with them, but you need to go at THEIR speed.

Rats are smart, and if they haven't been abused, they should warm up reasonably quickly.

Good luck!

Answer 2

i keep rats and sometimes if something is stuck in their throats they will scratch at their faces causing a bleeding nose as you say,,even specialist toys can mislead so proper attention should be paid to check the suitability for your pet,,the vet,as it is a small rodent may be reluctant to do more then a check up as the anesthetic may cause such a tiny animal to die during being put under,,clean with a clean soft cloth with cooled boiled water and separate from other pets,keep in a smaller tank and feed PROPER food,,rats have different dietary requirements to hamsters and sunflower seeds should not be given,,too rich in oils,,allow him to rest and see how he goes,,he may just be at the end of his life given they only live to about 3yrs old so it may just be nothing but old age,,if he is comfortable,,just sit and talk to him,,if poorly he may not want to play but will love it if you just spend time prattling on about nonsense,,he may be old,,be nice.

Answer 3

Sounds like they may have some sort of virus. If the cage wasn't cleaned properly it could lead to all sorts of problems. I don't know any vets in your area but I would take them to one asap. I think it's great you decided to adopt these two. Sounds like you'll be a great owner. Good luck.

Answer 4

These articles might give you some useful info:

http://www.afrma.org/rminfo1.htm

http://www.ratfanclub.org/orphans.html

http://www.rmca.org/Articles/orphans.htm

Very best of luck.