BASIC HEALTH CHECK:

Rats often hide illness. Once they show symptoms or have a sudden change in behaviour, they might be in an advanced state of being ill. It is therefore necessary to do basic health checks daily and a thorough check at least once or twice a month. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, take your rar to a vet for a check-up. The sooner you act, the better the chance for your rat to make a full recovery. For instance, leaving a tumour too long will mean a more complex, riskier and more expensive operation; while untreated respiratory infections cause permanent lung scarring.

BEHAVIOR – A rat with a poor appetite, sudden aggression or nipping, hiding away or sleeping more than usual may all be signs that your rat is getting sick or are in pain.

BREATHING – A rat should breathe freely without making noises. Occasional sneezing is normal but excessive or continuous sneezing might be a sign of an irritant in the environment or that the rat is getting sick. Abnormal breathing includes wheezing, congestion, making clicking noises, gasping for air or labored breathing. Signs of a respiratory issue might actually be the first sign that your rat has a heart condition, especially fluids in the lungs.

EYES AND NOSE – Eyes should be bright and open, except in the case of pink eyed rats that might be sensitive to light. The eye should not be cloudy. Eyes should be of equal size. (Excluding some born with uneven eyes) Sudden swollen eyes are a sign of an infection or tumour or abscess behind the eyes / in the brain. A red discharge around the eyes (porphyrin) is normal occasionally in small quantities, but excessive or a constant porphyrin discharge might be a sign of your rat being stressed, living on the wrong bedding or with urine build up or that it might have an underlying illness.

EARS – The ears should be alert and standing upright. It should be clean with no discharge, odor (infection) or growths (Sarcoptic mites)

TEETH – Teeth should be properly aligned and not excessively long or growing skew (malocclusion) or of uneven in length. A tooth is yellow in the front and white in the back. While bruxing they sharpen their own teeth by grinding it together. A rat with malocclusion should be taken to the vet regularly to have it’s teeth trimmed.

BODY – The rat should not be skinny or bloated. Sucked in sides is a sign of a sick or old rat losing condition. Check for any bites, cuts, bruising or swelling. Gently message the rat starting at the head working your way to the tail, especially concentrating on the area under the forelimbs, mammary area, abdomen and groin. If you detect a lump, try to determine if it is connected to the skin or movable, if its painful or not. This will help to determine if it is a tumour, abscess or cyst.

WEIGHT – Keep record of your rats’ weight. Weigh them at least once a month and more regularly if it is a growing pup , pregnant female or old / sick rat. A sudden rise or loss of weight might be a sign that your rat is sick,

TAIL – The tail should be cylindrical, a square tail is a sign of a poor diet. Check the rail for any sores or bumps which may be caused by ringtail or sarcoptic mites.

POSTURE AND MOVEMENT – Lethargic or unresponsive rats or rats with a hunched up position are most likely sick. They will often have pale extremities. Check the rats’ energy levels during the active period. Some rats may be lethargic due to a weak diet or a parasite infestation. Loss of balance or walking in circles might be a sign of a neurological problem or advanced ear infection. A rat that can’t hold food in its front paws might be an early sign of a pituitary tumour.

FUR AND SKIN – A rats coat (excluding Harley and Harley affected coats) should be smooth and glossy, lying flat. A puffed or ungroomed coat could be a sign of illness or of an old rat that can no longer look after itself. A poor diet may cause dullness of coat or even bald patches.

Scabs and ulcer like sores or hair loss may be a sign of parasites, especially if on the neck or shoulders.

GENITAL AREA – Females do not have a period. Any bloody or smelly discharge is a sign of a uterine or bladder infection, tumour or miscarriage. This is a serious medical emergency and she will need vet care ASAP. Pregnant females bleeding should go into labor and deliver pups within the first hour or so. Bleeding without contractions or pups means something is seriously wrong.

Check the males’ penis for a discharge, plugs, swelling or any other abnormalities.

ODOR – A rotten smell might be a sign of an infection, a sweet smell could be diabetes.

HYDRATION – Pinch the rats’ skin and pull gently away from the body and let go. If it doesn’t go back immediately your rat may be dehydrated.

BOWLS AND URINE – diarrhea, bleeding and dark coloured urine may all be a sign of illness or kidney stones etc.

#health