Ugh....I'm sorry. I know that had to be traumatic. I would be hysterical too. There is a picture online of a rat that somehow degloved her front foot...that gave me nightmares.

I will admit, I pick mine up my the tails when I'm in a hurry cleaning. I quickly pick them up by the base and put them in another tub less than a few inches away. I do this with the mice too. I usually put my other hand, or a random object if they are being grumpy, under their belly to support them so they feel more secure.