What ailments can white rats have? - briefly
Albino laboratory rats commonly develop «respiratory infections», «skin mite infestations», dental overgrowth, gastrointestinal disturbances, and spontaneous neoplasms. Metabolic disorders such as diabetes and renal insufficiency also occur.
What ailments can white rats have? - in detail
White rats are susceptible to a wide range of health conditions that can affect any organ system. Understanding these disorders is essential for proper veterinary care and research reliability.
Common bacterial infections include Salmonella and Streptococcus species, which often present with diarrhea, fever, and weight loss. Clostridium difficile produces toxin‑mediated colitis, leading to watery stools and dehydration. Respiratory bacterial agents such as Pasteurella multocida cause nasal discharge, sneezing, and pneumonia.
Viral diseases frequently encountered are Sendai virus, causing upper respiratory signs and secondary bacterial pneumonia, and Sialodacryoadenitis virus, which induces swelling of the lacrimal and salivary glands, facial edema, and reduced grooming. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus may produce neurological signs, including tremors and seizures.
Parasitic infestations affect the gastrointestinal tract and skin. Heligmosomoides polygyrus and Syphacia muris are intestinal nematodes that cause malabsorption, anemia, and stunted growth. External parasites such as Demodex mites lead to alopecia, crusting, and pruritus.
Metabolic and nutritional disorders arise from improper diet or husbandry. Hypocalcemia (and resulting tetany) and hyperglycemia (including insulin‑dependent diabetes) are documented in laboratory colonies. Obesity is common in ad libitum feeding regimes, predisposing rats to fatty liver disease and cardiovascular strain.
Respiratory ailments encompass both infectious and non‑infectious origins. Mycoplasma pulmonis produces chronic rhinitis, otitis media, and interstitial pneumonia. Allergic airway disease, triggered by dust or bedding particles, leads to bronchial hyperreactivity and wheezing.
Dermatological problems include ulcerative dermatitis often linked to bacterial infection or trauma, and spontaneous skin tumors such as fibrosarcomas, which appear as firm subcutaneous masses. Mouth lesions, including dental malocclusion, cause difficulty eating and weight loss.
Neoplastic conditions are prevalent in aged white rats. Mammary adenocarcinomas, lymphomas, and renal cell carcinoma are reported, each presenting with organ‑specific signs such as palpable masses, anemia, or polyuria.
Gastrointestinal disorders extend beyond infections. Inflammatory bowel disease and gastric ulceration produce chronic weight loss, abdominal distension, and melena. Intussusception, though rare, leads to acute abdominal pain and obstruction.
Reproductive system diseases affect breeding colonies. Uterine infections (metritis) and prostatitis manifest as vaginal discharge, infertility, and systemic illness. Mammary gland infections, often secondary to poor hygiene, cause swelling and purulent secretions.
Effective management requires regular health monitoring, appropriate sanitation, balanced nutrition, and prompt veterinary intervention when clinical signs emerge.