Figure 2: Bite wound to muzzle in adult male rat (Silky).
Case history and photos

History

Silky was an adult male of unknown age when he was rescued from the SPCA in June, 2004. For most of his life he was housed in a dwarf rabbit cage either with a cagemate or alone. His first cage-mate was a male named Gomez, followed by a male cage-mate named Gollum. Much of Silky’s time was spent free-ranging at will, sticking to his couch unless put on the floor. Silky was later neutered and lived some of his remaining life with two girls, Pamplemousse and Juliette, in a Grotto styled cage.

Clinical Signs

Silky was living with Gollum in a cage on top of another cage. Another of the boys climbed up and bit Silky hard on the nose.

Diagnosis

Bite wound to muzzle.

Treatment

Held an ice compress to his face first day, then Preparation H® was applied to reduce swelling. He received oral Baytril, and for the first week an antibiotic ointment was applied to his face.

Treatment done on recommendation from vet and the RMCA site.

Outcome

After one week of treatment; the scab fell off, and the fur began to grow back in.

Follow-up

It was explained to us that oral meds are very important for facial bites. For other bites that may occur elsewhere on the body our vet stated Hibitane® (chlorhexidine gluconate) washes are sufficient.
*Please note*: That bites can in some cases lead to abscesses. It is important to clean the site as soon as possible. Check with a vet regarding an appropriate antibiotic.

Photos

The photos of Silky’s bite wound shown below.

Case History and photos courtesy of Jane Sorensen of http://mooshika.org — Archived page from 2021-01-26 (via the Wayback Machine)