Figure 2: Pyoderma of the hind limbs
Case history and photos

History

Two female adult rats, both cage mates, were brought to Alamo Veterinary Clinic when owners could no longer care for them. Both rat’s were in need of treatment for different conditions.

Clinical Signs

The one female rat presented at the clinic with inflammed, peeling, ulcerated, and moist eczematous lesions and hair loss on both hind limbs.

Diagnosis

Pyoderma, etiology unknown.
Possible mite infestation.
Possible secondary bacterial or fungal infection.
Possible dietary allergy
Possible autoimmune disease process.

Treatment

Treatments and a change of diet were initiated and were altered based on the lack of response which ranged over a twelve week period. Trials of Ivermectin (for possible mite infestation) , broad spectrum antimicrobials (in the event a bacterial, yeast, or fungal infection was present) , prednisone (a corticosteroid to reduce swelling and inflammation) , Granulex spray (a topical agent used for drying) and finally antibiotic wraps were tried. The antibiotic wraps, due to the pain it caused the rat when having to remove them and reapply, required that a general anesthetic be given. Although new generation of tissue would periodly be seen with use of the wraps, this would not last and ulcerated lesions would return resulting in the rat’s constant licking due to discomfort.

Based on the continuing ulcerations, pain and discomfort of the rat, and the fact that to continue to anesthetise the rat for each removal and redress of the antibiotic wraps posed a risk to her health, the decision was made to amputate both hind legs in order to prevent further deterioration of her overall health.

Outcome

Following the amputation this little female rat did remarkably well, and was able to get around in her cage without difficulty. She continues to live in good health with her cage mate (who had undergone surgery for removal of a mammary tumor) both of which have been offically adopted by the Vet and her staff.

The etiology of this condition was never discovered and is still believed to be an autoimmune disorder, particularly in light of the fact pin point lesions have begun to be noticed on the front limbs of this little rat as of this writing, and her cage mate never showed any similar signs or symptoms of the condition.

Follow-up

This rat has been restarted on prednisone for the pinpoint lesions to the front limbs. When her condition becomes such as to impact her quality of life, euthanasia will be chosen. It has been decided that at that time a necropsy will be done and tissue samples will be sent to pathology to try and determine the cause of the disease process if possible.

Photos 1 & 2: Shows inflammation and excoriation of both hind limbs and feet at the start of treatment.

Case history and photo permission courtesy of Alamo Veterinary Clinic

Posted on July 13, 2003, 20:33, Last updated on October 21, 2005, 09:15 | Figures