What causes domestic rats to die? - briefly
Common fatal factors for pet rats include infectious diseases, nutritional deficiencies, organ tumors, and unsafe environmental conditions. Specific threats are respiratory infections, gastrointestinal blockages, cancers, toxin exposure, and extreme temperature stress.
What causes domestic rats to die? - in detail
Domestic rats succumb to a range of health problems, environmental hazards, and management errors. Understanding each category helps prevent loss.
Infectious diseases are common culprits. Respiratory infections such as Mycoplasma pulmonis, Streptococcus spp., and viral agents cause pneumonia, progressing rapidly without treatment. Gastrointestinal parasites—including pinworms, coccidia, and tapeworms—lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and intestinal obstruction. Viral illnesses like Sendai virus produce severe respiratory distress. Bacterial septicemia, often arising from skin wounds or dental infections, can spread systemically and be fatal.
Metabolic and nutritional disorders also contribute. Malnutrition results from an imbalanced diet lacking essential proteins, vitamins (especially A and D), or minerals, leading to stunted growth, immune suppression, and organ failure. Obesity predisposes rats to fatty liver disease, heart strain, and joint problems, shortening lifespan. Calcium deficiency causes seizures and cardiac arrhythmias. Over‑supplementation, particularly of vitamin D, may induce hypercalcemia and renal damage.
Environmental factors play a significant role. Extreme temperatures—cold drafts or overheated cages—trigger hypothermia or heat stroke. Poor ventilation encourages ammonia buildup, damaging respiratory epithelium and facilitating infection. Inadequate cage hygiene fosters bacterial growth, fungal spores, and parasite proliferation. Toxic substances, such as cleaning agents, rodenticides, or contaminated food, introduce acute poisoning.
Genetic and age‑related issues cannot be ignored. Inherited conditions like retinal degeneration and hereditary kidney disease emerge in certain strains, reducing longevity. Senescence brings organ degeneration, reduced immune competence, and increased tumor incidence, especially mammary adenocarcinomas.
Trauma and accidental injury are additional mortality sources. Falls from elevated surfaces, bites from other rodents, or mishandling can cause fractures, internal bleeding, or shock. Improper restraint may lead to spinal injury or asphyxiation.
Preventive measures include regular veterinary examinations, vaccination where available, parasite control, balanced nutrition, stable ambient conditions, and strict cage maintenance. Early detection of abnormal behavior, weight loss, or respiratory distress allows timely intervention, markedly improving survival prospects.