Q. My Rat Has a White Spot on Her Eye. What Could this Be?

Posted by Mia Carter Nov 8, 2008

On November 8, 2008, I received the following question on my Pet Rat Care and Health Resources Page: "Lovely, our white rat, overnite has a large white center on one of her eyes. She's eating fine, no sneezing, none of the other symptoms you have been saying. What could this be?"

Great question! This is yet another topic that I've not yet had a chance to address in an article - eye injuries, which are very common in rats and other small animals.

Cause for a White Spot in a Rat's Eye

There are two basic causes for a white spot in a rat's eye. One cause is a cataract, which forms gradually over a long period of time. These are not overly common in rats due to their relatively short lifespan and it's not likely to be the cause in this case since cataracts form over a period of weeks and months.

It's more likely that Lovely the rat has suffered an eye injury called a corneal abrasion, which in layman's terms, is a scratch on the surface of the eye. This is very common in rats who live in woodchips - it's very easy for a splinter to essentially poke the rat in the eye as she's running around, but it can occur in woodchip-free cages as well. Even something simple - like a rat who is scratching his head or cleaning his face - can lead to an eye injury.

Squinting, tearing, and pawing at the eye are common when a corneal abrasion is present.

How to Treat a Corneal Abrasion in a Rat

In many cases, a corneal abrasion will heal on its own without much intervention. In other cases, the eye can become infected; remember, any time something directly contacts the surface of the eye, there is a potential for infection. In cases of infection, antibiotic eye ointment is usually prescribed by a veterinarian.

A few corneal abrasions will transform into a corneal ulcer, which can be a bit more difficult to heal. Infection is often associated with a corneal ulcer, which is essentially an area of erosion due to improper healing of the corneal abrasion. Prescription medication from the veterinarian will be required to heal these ailments.

The fact that Lovely is still eating is great - that suggests that she's not terribly uncomfortable, as rats who are in significant pain or discomfort will usually stop eating.

I would take a trip to the drug store to get some plain saline (available near the contact lens section or in the first aid section, where it's sold as "Wound Wash Saline") and I'd flush the eye a few times a day to help soothe the eye. If you observe any discharge, (particularly discharge that's thick or yellow, or green in color), redness, swelling around the eye or if the eye does not appear to be improving, I'd recommend a visit to the veterinarian, as this suggests an eye infection.

I hope Lovely the rat is feeling better soon!

Have a pet question? Send your questions to Mia.Carter@Suite101.com

Disclaimer: I have extensive experience in caring for animals, including sick and special needs animals, but I am not a veterinarian. I can provide information and advice based on research and my many years of experience with pet care and training, but it's not a substitute for seeking medical attention from a veterinarian.