Rat Tail Dislocation

[GladysDay78]

My 12 week old rat has dislocated her tail right at the base in the early hours of the morning during free roaming. I have no idea how this happened she didn't squeak or signal any noise she just appeared with a disjointed tail. I took her to the vets the next morning. They confirmed that the tail was dislocated however was in a state of disrepair as the ligaments would not keep the tail bones together even when put back into place. They have given me the number of a exotic vet specialist and suggested I get the whole tail amputated. This was a huge shock to me as I know how important a rats tail is for mobility and heat regulation so to miss the whole tail is a big deal. She is being a little sheepish and distancing herself from my 3 other girls however she is not showing that she is in pain (except when another rat stood on her tail). I have been giving her ibrozprofin to ease any pain. I am wondering if anyone else has had any experiences with this and what can be done for her? Any help/ advice would be massively appreciated. Thank you.

 

[lilspaz68]

Can you post a pic? Rats break their tail often, it heals in time and they just have a crooked tail. You only want to amputate a tail is if there's a degloving (skin peeled off, and bone exposed), or if the tail is not getting any/enough blood flow below the injury. The tail will feel cool or cold when that happens. If left, it will eventually die and could cause serious problems. Rats also sprain their tails and those heal as well.

 

[GladysDay78]

Can you post a pic? Rats break their tail often, it heals in time and they just have a crooked tail. You only want to amputate a tail is if there's a degloving (skin peeled off, and bone exposed), or if the tail is not getting any/enough blood flow below the injury. The tail will feel cool or cold when that happens. If left, it will eventually die and could cause serious problems. Rats also sprain their tails and those heal as well.

I had done some googling Last night and everything matches what you have said. I will attach some photos. Her tail feels to be a normal temperature although it is blue/ purple at the dislocation which I am assuming is bruising? Thank you for your response. It’s relaxed me !

 

[lilspaz68]

Ouch she really did a number on that tail! No wonder you were scared. Bruising is defintely going to happen, she probably got it caught somewhere and panicked pulling it out. As long as the tail stays warm it should be fine even if a bit funny looking. If you feel she's hiding her pain you can give her infant liquid ibuprofen every 4-6 hours and see if that helps.

 

[GladysDay78]

Ouch she really did a number on that tail! No wonder you were scared. Bruising is defintely going to happen, she probably got it caught somewhere and panicked pulling it out. As long as the tail stays warm it should be fine even if a bit funny looking. If you feel she's hiding her pain you can give her infant liquid ibuprofen every 4-6 hours and see if that helps.

I know I do feel for her bless her. Yes you could be right I wish I knew what had caused it so I could prevent it happening again. Ok I will keep checking on that. Think we can deal with a wonky tail. I have been giving her ibuprohen in small doses. She really seems to of picked up within the last few hours and is being more active so fingers crossed she’s through the worst of the pain. Thank you so much for your help it’s so appreciated!!

 

[Purppyro]

Hey! My rat seems to also have a dislocated/sprained tail based on googling! (There’s not much out there though on this topic). What happened with your rat! Did you go to the vet or did she heal fine on her own? My girl seems mostly unbothered by the kink at the base of her tail. It’s a bit bruised but tail is still warm and she only gets upset when it’s touched. I’m debating whether to just give her pain meds and watch it or to take her to vet (not sure if the vet can even do anything??)