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
Seizure Info
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
Respiratory Problems
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
Itching
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
Hind Leg Paralysis (Degenerative Osteoarthritis)
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
Bumblefoot
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
911: Toenail Injuries
Whether your rat injured themselves or you did it, it will bleed – a lot – and will need to be treated. If the toenail is still attached, remove what you can (carefully!!) with clippers – you might want to
911: Seizures
This can happen to rats if they are poisoned (which is why we prefer more humane methods to rid wild rats from a home!), or if the rat’s breeding line has epilepsy in it (why we don’t encourage random breeding).
911: Wounds
Rats being rats are bound to have a little tussle now and then, and sometimes it can get a little more serious resulting in an open wound. What do I do? Gently but firmly restrain your rat and assess the
911: Poisoning
If your rat has ingested a poisonous substance, various symptoms can occur. Some include frothing at the mouth, diarrhea, bleeding from the mouth or rectum, and lack of co-ordination. What do I do? Get your rat to the vet, bringing