Winter 2003

Bleeding From The Eyes In Rats

The Harderian glands of rats are located behind the eyes. They secrete various pigments or porphyrins that give the tears a reddish colour. These secretions increase in response to stress and disease, and the tears dry around the eyes and nostrils (the tear ducts in mammals drain into the nasal cavity), resembling crusts of blood.

It is common for owners to report bleeding from the eyes and nose of their pet rats.

These porphyrins will fluoresce under ultraviolet light and can therefore be readily differentiated from blood by a vet.

The condition is known as chromodacryorrhea (no, I can’t pronounce it either) or Red Tears and, although it is not pathologic, it is often subsequent to stress such as pain, illness, or restraint. Red tears are often an indicator of underlying disease so if your pet rat develops this problem a veterinary examination is advisable.

Barry