My grandaughters rat bleeding

[twinny-15]

My grandaughters rat is bleeding from it's eyes and nose it's also groggy and of it's food ..has it injured itself? Thanks

[jomifl]

could it have been in a fight with another rat, if not a visit to the vet is called for.

[Answerprancer]

That's not blood. Rats often secrete a red substance around their eyes when they are a bit poorly. You need to get it to a vet for some treatment - is it making wheezy/sneezy or rumbly-chest noises too?

[twinny-15]

No until she noticed the blood she seemed fine .. will get her to check ..if not she will take to vets in the morning ..thanks for your prompt replies xx

[carlton23]

I hope it isn`t `The Plague` back again.

[Answerprancer]

No offence to your grand daughter's rat-keeping skills but do you think she could have been a bit lazy with the regular changing it's soiled/soggy bedding ? That's the usual reason for this kind of thing. They are very clean creatures by choice and if the sanitation of their cages is neglected, they get ill.

[twinny-15]

Lol Carlton x

[twinny-15]

No she is surprisingly meticulous with her cleaning routine cos her Mum warned her ..any neglect they go.the cage dishes etc are cleaned and disinfected regularly.. amazing for a teenager xx

[Answerprancer]

"Rats eyes and noses release a red mucus from them.
This Red discharge can come from the rats eyes or nose.
It is called Porphyrin, it is not blood.
It looks a light reddish color, while blood is a dark red color.
It is produced in the Porphyries glands behind the rat's eyes.
Overproduction of this discharge can be caused by stress or illness.
Porphyrin discharge can be increased if your rat has breathing trouble, pneumonia or Mycoplasma". (advice from a website re. rat illnesses)

[twinny-15]

Thanks answerprancer she has recently put them in a bigger cage ..could be that has stessed her ..xx