Expert: Sandra Todd - 6/12/2008

Question
Hi Sandra,

I have a 2 yr old black female Dumbo ratty who has all of a sudden started bleeding from her vaginal area. Not a lot of blood, just a spot or two and then done. It is not consistent, just worrisome seeing they do not menstruate. I have noticed this twice now over the last 2 months.  Unfortunately, we have lost our local "rat" vet as he is no longer seeing exotics. "Onyx" was pregnant when I got her as she was rescued from the "food" bin, so as far as I know she was only pregnant once. She has not been exposed to any male rats since rescued. I also have her mother, who was rescued with her and is not having any problems. Mom is approx. 2 1/2 yrs old. Could this be a uterine tumor or something along those lines. Any help in direction will be appreciated.

Mary

Answer
 Hi Mary

As you know, rats do not menstruate so this is something to have looked at right away.  Just in case other readers want to know why females do not bleed during their estrus cycle is because they are too close together. Rats go into heat every 5 days which is not long enough for the lining of the uterus to build and and shed out again in the form of blood and mucus (which is part of the endometruim lining)


It could be a number of things, from a possible uterine tumor to polycystic ovaries or even infection can cause this.

I have had females that bled off and on for a year. Nothing heavy, just spotting. It was hormonal in nature and we started her on a hormone called LUPRON and it stopped her bleeding episodes.

If you need help finding a vet that is a real true exotic vet that is board certified, check out my website at this URL.

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/therightvetforyourrat.htm

I have a page about Vets and a link to the AEMV where you can find a list of vets per state and even per country.  Please let me know if you find one there.

Hope this helps!


Sandra