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Thread: rattie question

  1. #1
    Registered User Amy05's Avatar
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    rattie question

    so, this is not really about feeders, but rats, so i figured i would put it here.
    anyways, one of my rats, tidbit, occasionally gets a little bit of a bloody nose. not any serious blood, but it is tinted red like blood. She is reallly curious, and spends a lot of time climbing the bars of the cage, and sticking her nose into things, so im not sure if it is from hurting herself, or if there is a serious problem. I am planning on taking her to the vet, but just wanted to check in with you all first.

    Thanks!

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    BPnet Veteran lillyorchid's Avatar
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    Re: rattie question

    It's not blood, but it's a red discharge called porphyrin. It comes from a rat's nose or eyes. It is produced in glands behind the rat's eyes. Overproduction of this discharge can be caused by stress or illness.
    ---=ALLISON=---
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  3. #3
    Registered User Amy05's Avatar
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    Re: rattie question

    Quote Originally Posted by lillyorchid
    It's not blood, but it's a red discharge called porphyrin. It comes from a rat's nose or eyes. It is produced in glands behind the rat's eyes. Overproduction of this discharge can be caused by stress or illness.
    ah. not so sure it's stress, she seams alright, illness, maybe, but it is kind of a shot in the dark as to exactly what it is, right?

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    BPnet Veteran lillyorchid's Avatar
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    Re: rattie question

    Evidence of porphyrin is not really a reason for concern - from what I've heard over the years but IMO I'd much rather not see it at all since I had a few rats with it who had RI's. Some rats will have a little in their eyes or nose when they first wake up - much like humans will wake up with "eye boogies". 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. If your rat(s) start sneezing, sounding stuffy, loosing weight, not eating/drinking normally then yeah there is a problem. As always when in doubt, consult with your vet.
    ---=ALLISON=---
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    BPnet Veteran recycling goddess's Avatar
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    Re: rattie question

    i've had some of it with one of my ratties when her mate died.

    it went away soon enough though.

    hope yours turns out to be nothing.
    in light, Aleesha




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    BPnet Veteran SnakeySnakeSnake's Avatar
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    Re: rattie question

    Quote Originally Posted by recycling goddess
    i've had some of it with one of my ratties when her mate died.

    it went away soon enough though.

    hope yours turns out to be nothing.
    she was crying
    bryan

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    BPnet Veteran frankykeno's Avatar
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    Re: rattie question

    Sometimes a change in diet will trigger some "red tears" too. I've found too many human high fat treats will cause that so I don't give out as much as I used to (and I have slimmer but healthier rats). Keep an eye on it and see if you can figure out what is triggering it.
    ~~Joanna~~

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