Dumbo rats can suffer a wide array of injuries and can cause stress, worry, and panic in their owners. While their wounds can get easily infected and turn into abscesses, a pet rat without an infection actually heals tremendously fast.

Nevertheless, here are some common injuries of pet rats, as well as the best thing to do in the even t of an injured dumbo rat.

Common injuries:

• Fight scratches and bites

Sometimes there comes a time when big fights happen between two of your beloved dumbo rats. Males are usually guilty of this. When they suffer wounds from the fights, it is best to keep them separated following the incident in order to promote healing and to prevent more fighting. If their wounds seem raw and red without any improvement, it would be best to see your veterinarian as their wounds might be infected.

• Broken claw or tail

This is not uncommon and is also not very serious however these can be extremely painful for your dumbo rats. A broken claw or tail is usually a result of their getting stuck somewhere or being stepped on or nipped. You must first very gently disinfect the broken part by rinsing it in a non-abrasive antiseptic, like lemongrass distillate or tea tree oil. If you notice swelling in any area, it means it is infected and your fancy rat may need an antibiotic. As for bucks, sometimes they can get an entire leg broken as result of playing or getting stuck somewhere in the cage. You may want to visit your veterinarian who will assess the severity of the injury while you keep your dumbo rat in a safe leveled area in the cage for the meantime.

More serious injuries:

• Blisters on ear

Also known as aural haematoma, this is when your pet rat’s ear can blow up and swell like a big blister of blood. Usually, it will take a couple of days for the blood to subside and go back into the skin, however leaving a thicker ear. If the swelling is severe and tends to flop or block the ear hole, antibiotic cream must be applied.

• Dislocation of vertebra

This is even more excruciatingly painful to your poor pet rat than a broken leg. The dislocated vertebra often happens along the lower back or the tail. If this happens, it is best to go to your veterinarian, who will administer anesthesia before trying to snap the vertebra back to its original alignment.

You can read up more on dumbo rat injuries at www.dumbo-rats.com.