Tail issues

[Cheze2]

I just adoped two extremely sweet girls who were dropped off at my local petstore. This is the best place in the world as far as pet stores go, they know each individual rat, and they do some breeding there as well, so you can meet their parents and everything, they're all just wonderful people and most of them own lots of rats themselves. but back to my question, These girls were just dropped off yesterday and the people who dropped them off I guess, just came in and told them to kill them, they said that they were neglected and that the previous owner had let their cat get after them. One of the girls who I am naming Mimi (the other is Missy) has an issue with her tail, almost like it is in the latter stages of a portion of it falling off. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this happening at all and if there is anything I can do, she doesn't seem to be in any pain and it seems to be dried up
everyone say hello to Mimi (in front) and Missy (in the little hut)

and here is mimi's tail

sorry it's a bit blurry, it's hard to get them to stay still! They are such wonderful girls, sweet as can be, they greet you as soon as you open the cage and hop onto your shoulder, it's hard for me to believe that someone would be so cruel to these girls. If anyone has some information or ideas, besides a vet visit, (it's comming) it would be much appreciated Thank you!

[artemish]

Ouch. That's painful just to look at. At least rats are blessed with more than enough tail. Is that... the bone? Or something? Kind of gruesome. Poor baby.

Those are really beautiful rats, by the way. I haven't really seen that sort of coloration on the face before, where the whole lower half of the face is white. Really presh.

[star2]

They are soo gorgeous- and they even look sweet!! 

Poor owwie tail 

[iluv2makejello]

what a horrible thing to do to a sweet little rattie. By the way you describe them its hard to believe that they were neglected. Poor baby!

[Lise]

Personally I would go to the vet... that looks like it could get infected badly if she doesn't get on some antibiotics.

[MaevePotter]

http://ratguide.com/health/wounds/degloving_injury.php
 

[Amykins]

It definately looks like degloving and they need to be seen by a vet for that.  That poor girl!

They're both precious babies though- congrats on your new additions!!

[Cheze2]

I'm going to call the vet this morning, hopefully i can get an appointment right away, i just didn't know if there was anything i could do in the meantime, but i can ask the vet too!-lol (i didn't even think of that till just now-that's sad) you can tell i'm tired 

[Fleur.Cirocco]

I'm afraid I can't give you any advice on what to do other than a vet visit. But I just wanted to say your girls are GORGEOUS. Lol.
Good luck.

[KoalaLou2]

I would make sure she gets it amputated more than it already is.  Even if it has basically come off on its own, that lower part could cause infection so an amputation of a few centimeters is probably for the best.  She should retain her balance, etc.  Depending on how much of the tail is removed, it could affect balance or body cooling.  That is something you need to discuss with the vet.  They are soooo pretty though.  Is that aspen they are on?  Just checking   Good luck with your little girls, they look to be the sweetest of babies 

[angelratgirl]

removal of the degloved portion will only help, and leaving it will only cause problems. i am betting the area is quite tender.

[RKEM]

Yep, tha's degloving. And if they came from a bad situation, I'd be willing to bet some idiot picked her by the tip of her tail ... which often leads to degloving 

At least they're in a good home now. I can't believe someone could be mean to such adorable little critters.

[munchies slave]

thats horrible, when i saved my 3 new boys from the worst pet shop ever the guy picked them up y the tip of the tail, i was aware this could happen and i was mortified watching him. is there anywhere this can be reported along with the 13 or so rats in a 20 gal aquarium not separated by sexes.