What do diseases look like in rats? - briefly
Diseases in rats present through observable signs such as weight loss, lethargy, respiratory difficulty, skin lesions, and altered behavior, while necropsy reveals organ‑specific lesions that confirm the pathology.
What do diseases look like in rats? - in detail
Rats manifest disease through observable changes in behavior, appearance, and physiology. Common signs include:
- Reduced activity, lethargy, or excessive grooming.
- Weight loss, emaciation, or abnormal fat deposits.
- Respiratory distress such as labored breathing, nasal discharge, or audible wheezing.
- Dermatological alterations: alopecia, ulcerative lesions, erythema, or crusted scabs.
- Gastrointestinal disturbances: diarrhea, constipation, abdominal distension, or visible blood in stool.
- Neurological symptoms: tremors, ataxia, seizures, circling, or loss of righting reflex.
- Ocular and auditory abnormalities: corneal opacity, cataracts, discharge, or impaired hearing.
- Cardiovascular manifestations: irregular heart rhythm, cyanosis, or peripheral edema.
Pathological examination often reveals organ-specific lesions. In the lungs, bacterial pneumonia presents as consolidated, inflamed tissue with exudate and hemorrhage. Hepatic disease may show hepatocellular necrosis, fatty infiltration, or fibrotic nodules. Renal pathology includes tubular degeneration, glomerulonephritis, or proteinaceous casts. Lymphoid organs frequently display hyperplasia, depletion, or granulomatous inflammation. Skeletal muscle can exhibit atrophy, necrosis, or inflammatory infiltrates.
Laboratory diagnostics rely on blood chemistry, hematology, and microbiological culture. Elevated white blood cell counts indicate infection or inflammation; increased liver enzymes suggest hepatic injury; abnormal renal parameters point to nephropathy. Microscopic analysis of tissue sections, stained with hematoxylin‑eosin or special stains, confirms cellular changes and identifies pathogens.
Preventive measures focus on environmental sanitation, proper nutrition, and biosecurity. Regular health monitoring, quarantine of new arrivals, and prompt treatment with appropriate antimicrobials reduce disease incidence and improve colony welfare.