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types of common illnesses treated
types of common illnesses treated

PORPHYRIN

WHAT IS PORPHYRIN ?

Porphyrin (a red-brown pigment) is a normal secretion produced by the glands around rat eyes & nose . When the animal is not grooming, the pigment builds up around the eyes, nose, and on the fur.

WHAT CAUSES PORPHYRIN ?

When a rat is stressed or in pain , either with an encounter with another rat (a fight) or by being sick or even something like a friend passing away porphyrin can be seen around their eyes or nose or sometimes both .

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PORPHYRIN AND BLOOD?

Owners commonly report bleeding from the eyes and nose of their pet rats, but most of the time it is porphyrin. Blood is much thicker than Porphyrin and although Porphyrin has a red pigment it is more brown than normal blood.

If you see that your pet rat has porphyrin, it is a good idea to bring them to your nearest exotic savvy vet to get him/her checked out.