How do rats show that they are unwell? - briefly
Ill rats display reduced locomotion, hunched posture, piloerection, decreased grooming, and altered food and water intake. They may also emit atypical vocalizations and show heightened sensitivity to tactile stimuli.
How do rats show that they are unwell? - in detail
Rats reveal illness through a combination of behavioral, physical and physiological alterations that can be observed without specialized equipment.
Reduced locomotion is common; an affected animal spends more time immobile, often huddled in a corner or under bedding. Grooming frequency declines, leaving fur dull, uneven or matted, and occasional patches of alopecia may appear. Posture changes include a slumped back, lowered head and a tendency to curl tightly, which distinguishes discomfort from normal resting positions.
Appetite and water consumption drop sharply. A noticeable decline in food intake, coupled with reduced drinking, leads to rapid weight loss that can be measured on a scale. When food is consumed, it may be taken in smaller, irregular bites, and the animal may exhibit difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Thermoregulation disturbances manifest as a cooler body surface, especially at the tail, or conversely, a fever that raises core temperature. Palpation of the abdomen may reveal tenderness, and respiratory assessment often shows shallow, rapid breaths or audible wheezing.
Excretory patterns change: urine becomes more concentrated, and feces may become looser, contain blood or mucus, or display a different odor. Eye discharge, nasal secretions or swelling around the sinuses are visual cues of infection or inflammation.
Pain-related signals include vocalizations such as high‑pitched squeaks when handled, facial grimacing, and guarding of a specific body region. Social behavior shifts; sick rats withdraw from group activities, avoid contact with cage mates, and may exhibit reduced nesting or burrowing.
Laboratory observation tools enhance detection. Scoring systems assign numeric values to each sign, allowing trend analysis over time. Blood sampling can reveal leukocytosis, elevated acute‑phase proteins, or altered glucose levels, confirming systemic distress.
Continuous video monitoring captures subtle changes in activity cycles, while infrared thermography quantifies surface temperature variations. Combined, these methods provide a comprehensive picture of health status, enabling early intervention and accurate assessment of disease progression.