Rats can get sick if they are not well cared for.Rats' small size makes it hard to detect illnesses.Respiratory infections, skin mites, tumors, and bumblefoot are some of the illnesses that rats contract.If you think your rat is sick, take it to the vet.Ask what options are available for the animal's symptoms.Most illnesses that rats contract are completely cured.
Step 1: If your rat is sleepy, watch it.
Rats are active, lively, and curious.If your rat doesn't move or sit in a corner of its cage for hours on end, it's most likely sick.It's a good sign that your rat isn't well if you're sleepy.
Step 2: If your rat stops eating food, note it.
A rat with a good appetite will scarf down the food you give it.A lack of appetite is a sign of an internal illness.An apparent loss of appetite is a sign that the rat has something in its throat.A vet will be able to remove obstructions from the animal's throat.
Step 3: If your rat tilts its head to one side, you should notice.
Rats show this symptom when they have an inner ear infection.Ear infections can be treated with medication or liquid drops.The wry neck is a head-tilting behavior.
Step 4: There are patches of skin that are prone to scratching or redness.
If your pet rat scratches at a specific part of its body, or if you see red, sore-looking areas on the rat's skin, it most likely has skin mites.Mites can be seen to the naked eye.They look like tiny white dots on the rats' fur and skin, and are most often visible on their shoulders and face.If a rat has been scratching at mites for more than a few days, it can develop blisters on its skin.It's a sure sign that a rat has mites.While skin mites are not an illness, they are still a health concern.If left unattended, mites can cause the rat extreme pain and can lead to skin infections.
Step 5: There is a discharge around your rat's eyes and nose.
The discharge is called porphyrin and it does look like blood, but it's not.If your rat's eyes and nose discharge more porphyrin than usual, this is a good sign that he has a respiratory problem.Other illnesses can be indicated by high levels of porphyrin discharge.It's a good sign that something is wrong with your rat.
Step 6: Your rat's coat can be dull or unkempt.
Rats are clean and take care of their coat.If your rat's coat becomes matted, dirty, or fluffed, it most likely means that the rat is ill and unable to properly groom its fur.
Step 7: Loud breathing or sneezing is good for you.
Rats are prone to contracting respiratory infections.It's fairly easy to identify a rat with a respiratory infection.The rat can make loud gasping sounds, have sneezing fits, and breathe more loudly than usual.Take your rat to the vet if you notice any of the signs.A respiratory illness can be treated with medication.
Step 8: There is a red callus on the rat's foot.
The rat may have bumblefoot.If you own multiple rats who like to play and roughhouse together, you should be aware of a condition called bumblebee, which is an infection on a rat's foot.A small cut or scratch can cause bumblefoot to enter a rat's foot and cause a callus-like lump which can break open and bleed.If your rat has bumblefoot, a vet can prescribe an antibiotic to clear it up.
Step 9: Pick up your rat and inspect it for tumors.
Female rats develop tumors in the mammary tissue the most often.Pick up your rat and look at its belly, chest, and legs.Take a look at the rat's lower abdomen.If you see a lump that has increased in size, please note it.Rats have tumors that are benign.If the tumor is benign, ask your vet to perform a biopsy.The vet may be able to remove it via surgery if it's benign.
Step 10: Look for signs of weight loss in your rat.
Your rat may be ill if it begins to lose weight suddenly.If you notice that your rat has lost weight, you should take it to a small animal vet.A sudden loss of appetite can cause weight loss.Your rat will begin to lose weight if it goes more than 2 or 3 days without eating.