Figure 1c: Abdominal skin abscess in male rat
Case history and photos
History
This is an intact (not neutered) male rat, approximately 8 months old, with no previous report of illness.
Clinical Signs
A small, raised, discolored lump was noted on the lower right quadrant of the rat’s abdomen.
Diagnosis
Abscess
Treatment
Veterinarian assessment: continue to observe over the next several days. No antibiotics required.
Outcome
Within one week of assessment the abscess came to a head and popped open. The wound was cleansed of pus with warm water, and the rat was kept on clean towels to prevent litter from getting into the wound. The following morning the wound closed and healing occurred.
Follow-up
A month later another abscess appeared on the left side of the abdomen; which followed the same progression and resolution.
Both abscesses healed spontaneously once they were cleansed of pus.
Photos
 Left photo shows area of abscess discoloration. Center photo shows pus after abscess opened up. Right photo shows wound after cleaning. |
 Left photo shows close up of wound after being cleaned. Right photo shows spontaneous closure of the wound, and healing, the morning after having been cleaned of pus. |
Case history and photos courtesy of: Els van Os (from Amsterdam)
