slight porphyrin?

[angelrat]

My squishy boy Smokey has got what looks like pale porphyrin above his whiskers.  It actually looks kinda like he has pushed his snout into a compact or something. He's nearly two years old, and he is pretty OK health-wise.

Should I take him to the vet, or just keep an eye on him?  We had another boy with porphyrin that came when he was dying (he had a tumour   ), Smokey is nothing like as bad as that which is why I am not sure what to do... it doesnt seem bad but it didnt use to be there.  

Thanks for any advice!

Angelrat

[Crowberry1982]

Porphyrin does occur more in older rats, I guess it's common and in rats that are very stressed, like too many cage mates, I suppose sickness could cause stress... As far as I know... At least thats what I was told in one of my animal science classes...  I would just keep an eye on him

[Marybelle]

Sometimes old age can cause stress that will cause porphyrin.  Is he acting fairly normally, otherwise?  Eating, drinking, playing as much as normal?  If so, I'd keep an eye on him for a few days, and see if it gets worse, or if he manifests any more symptoms, get him to a vet.  However, if your gut is telling you that something more serious is going on, always listen to your gut.  If you have the feeling that he needs to see the vet sooner, then take him.