What illnesses can decorative rats have? - briefly
Pet rats commonly develop respiratory infections (Mycoplasma pulmonis, Streptococcus pneumoniae), gastrointestinal parasites (pinworms, coccidia), and systemic diseases such as lymphoma, adrenal adenocarcinoma, and heart disease. Early detection and routine veterinary care reduce the risk of severe outcomes.
What illnesses can decorative rats have? - in detail
Pet rats are susceptible to a range of bacterial, viral, parasitic, and metabolic disorders. Recognizing signs early and providing appropriate veterinary care improves outcomes.
Bacterial infections commonly include:
- Salmonellosis – diarrhea, weight loss, fever; diagnosed by fecal culture.
- Streptobacillosis (rat bite fever) – painful skin lesions, systemic illness; transmitted through bites or contaminated wounds.
- Mycoplasma pulmonis – chronic respiratory disease; presents with nasal discharge, sneezing, labored breathing; confirmed by PCR or serology.
Viral diseases of concern:
- Rat coronavirus (RCV) – causes sialodacryoadenitis; swelling of lacrimal and salivary glands, conjunctivitis, fever; spreads via direct contact.
- Sendai virus – acute respiratory infection; cough, nasal discharge, lethargy; diagnosed by serology.
- Pseudorabies (Aujeszky’s disease) – rare, fatal neurologic signs; high fever, tremors, paralysis.
Parasitic problems:
- External parasites – mites (Myobia musculinus) and lice (Polyplax serrata) cause itching, hair loss, anemia.
- Internal parasites – pinworms (Syphacia muris), tapeworms (Hymenolepis nana); symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea, visible worm segments.
Metabolic and neoplastic conditions:
- Mammary adenocarcinoma – common in older females; palpable abdominal masses, weight loss.
- Pituitary adenoma – leads to endocrine imbalance, polyuria, polydipsia.
- Urolithiasis – bladder stones causing hematuria, dysuria; diagnosed by radiography.
- Nutritional deficiencies – vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) results in hemorrhages, joint pain; prevented with balanced diet.
Common clinical signs indicating illness:
- Reduced activity or lethargy
- Changes in appetite or water consumption
- Abnormal stool or urine
- Respiratory noises (sneezing, wheezing)
- Swollen glands or visible masses
Diagnostic approach typically involves physical examination, complete blood count, serum chemistry, radiographs, and targeted laboratory tests (culture, PCR, fecal flotation). Treatment protocols depend on the identified pathogen and may include antibiotics (e.g., enrofloxacin for bacterial infections), antiviral supportive care, antiparasitic agents (e.g., ivermectin for mites), surgical removal of tumors, and dietary adjustments.
Preventive measures:
- Maintain clean cage environment and regular bedding changes.
- Provide a nutritionally complete pellet diet supplemented with fresh vegetables.
- Quarantine new arrivals for at least two weeks and screen for disease.
- Avoid overcrowding and ensure adequate ventilation to reduce respiratory pathogen spread.
- Schedule annual health checks with a veterinarian experienced in exotic small mammals.