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01/18/12(Wed)02:07 No.33369772 File1326870429.jpg-(19 KB, 457x334, 1326192407874.jpg)
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If they cut their feet in ANY WAY, be sure to take care of the wound and keep it clean. Because rats generally run around in their own piss and shit, it will make the cage a breeding ground for infection. Once it gets infected, it can develop into a condition called bumblefoot, which will cause it to swell up to ridiculous proportions and they will hobble about. It's not fun. You have to drain the wound a few times every day if it happens. Trust me, that pus does not smell good at all. So if they cut their li'l feet, be sure to clean it every day, and if necessary, change the bedding in their cage every day until the wound heals. I have to admit though, after I nursed one of my rats through bumblefoot, he became sweet, loving and loyal to a point that I had not believed possible in a rodent pet.
Sadly, most rats don't live past three years. Many domestic rats develop large, bulbous tumors. Like, huge lumps that you see for the first time and go HOLY FUCK WHAT IS THAT. They usually appear overnight or over the course of two-three days. Not really anything you can do about it, they're not naturally meant for domestication.
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