Urinary tract stones (urolithiasis) are stones/crystals that can be found anywhere in the urinary tract and are more common in males. Normally the rat will not show any symptoms until a stone blocks the flow of urine or enough stones have formed to distend the bladder. Symptoms of urinary tract stones include: difficulty or lack [...]

A seizure is a sudden occurrence of involuntary muscle contractions or stiffness accompanied by changes in consciousness, behaviour, and involuntary bodily functions. There are 3 stages of a seizure. The first stage, usually referred to as an aura, lasts only a few seconds. The rat may seem restless, have a change in posture, and sniff [...]

One of the most common health problems in rats is respiratory illness. Treatment should be started as soon as symptoms appear, or irreversible damage may be done to the nasal passages and lungs. Infections such as pneumonia should be taken very seriously as they can kill a rat in only a few days. Mycoplasma pulmonis [...]

Itching is the most common skin problem in rats, but it’s usually nothing too serious or incurable. Bacteria, allergies, parasites, fungi, too much protein in the diet, eczema, or stress can all cause itchy skin. Bacteria can enter the skin through cuts. If a rat has sharp nails it can break the skin, letting bacteria [...]

Hind leg paralysis (degenerative osteoarthritis) is a condition that involves the gradual deterioration of cartilage, the formation of new bone growths (commonly called spurs), and the thickening of membranes surrounding joints. It occurs in older rats and is more common in males. Usually the rat will lose the ability to sit on his bum, and [...]

Bumblefoot (ulcerative pododermatitis) is a mass of rough, over keratinized tissue that develops on the heels. It starts out as a small cut or puncture surrounded by redness, and if left untreated, develops into a raised sore/scab. The sore will usually fill with blood, rupture and bleed, and then form a bigger sore that will [...]