What does a healthy rat look like? - briefly
A healthy rat displays bright, clear eyes, a smooth, glossy coat free of bald spots or scabs, and a firm, well‑toned body with normal posture. It moves actively, shows alert behavior, and maintains a steady, regular breathing pattern.
What does a healthy rat look like? - in detail
A healthy laboratory or pet rat exhibits a compact, muscular body with a smooth, sleek coat that lies flat against the skin. The fur is glossy, evenly colored without patches of alopecia, dandruff, or excessive oil. Typical coloration ranges from black, brown, white, or mixed patterns, but any hue should appear uniform and free of discoloration or thinning.
The head is proportionate to the torso, featuring bright, clear eyes that are free of discharge, cloudiness, or redness. Pupils react briskly to light. Ears are firm, pink or light-colored, and free of crust or swelling. Whiskers are long, stiff, and symmetrically arranged on each side of the snout.
The nose is moist and pink, with a steady flow of clear mucus; dry or cracked nasal tissue signals distress. The mouth contains well‑kept incisors that meet evenly without overgrowth; the enamel should be smooth and free of cracks or malocclusion. Gums are pink, not pale or ulcerated.
The limbs are strong, with digits that display clean, sharp claws. Pads on the feet are pink and supple, lacking ulcerations, swelling, or excessive callousing. The tail is long, tapering, and covered with a thin layer of fur near the base; it should be supple, straight, and free of lesions, bruising, or abnormal curvature.
Skin beneath the coat is supple, with no signs of redness, swelling, lumps, or parasites. The abdominal area is flat, not distended, and the rat moves with coordinated, fluid gait. Breathing is quiet and regular, with no audible wheezes or labored effort.
Overall behavior reflects physical health: the rat is alert, responsive to stimuli, and maintains normal activity levels. Any deviation from these visual and tactile criteria warrants veterinary assessment.