What illnesses do domestic rats get? - briefly
Domestic rats commonly develop respiratory infections (e.g., Mycoplasma pulmonis), gastrointestinal parasites (such as pinworms), skin disorders (mites, fungal dermatitis), and viral illnesses (rat coronavirus, Sendai virus). They are also susceptible to tumors—particularly mammary adenomas—and metabolic conditions like diabetes.
What illnesses do domestic rats get? - in detail
Pet rats are prone to a range of health conditions that can affect any organ system. Early recognition and prompt veterinary care improve outcomes.
Common bacterial infections include:
- Salmonellosis – causes diarrhea, weight loss, fever; transmitted through contaminated food or water.
- Streptococcosis – leads to respiratory distress, nasal discharge, and lethargy; often follows stress or poor ventilation.
- Clostridial enterotoxemia – results in sudden death or severe colic; associated with abrupt dietary changes.
Viral diseases frequently encountered are:
- Rat coronavirus (RCV) – produces watery eye discharge, sneezing, and nasal congestion; spreads rapidly in crowded colonies.
- Sendai virus – causes pneumonia, coughing, and reduced appetite; highly contagious among young rats.
Fungal problems primarily involve:
- Dermatophytes (ringworm) – present as circular hair loss and crusty lesions; transmitted by direct contact or contaminated bedding.
- Aspergillosis – rare, affects the respiratory tract, leading to labored breathing and weight loss.
Parasitic infestations are frequent:
- External mites (Radfordia, Myobia) – cause itching, hair loss, and skin inflammation.
- Internal parasites (nematodes such as Syphacia muris, cestodes like Hymenolepis) – produce diarrhea, poor growth, and anemia.
Metabolic and nutritional disorders include:
- Vitamin A deficiency – results in eye lesions, skin scaling, and impaired immunity.
- Calcium deficiency (rickets) – leads to skeletal deformities, weakness, and fractures.
- Obesity – predisposes to cardiovascular strain, fatty liver disease, and reduced lifespan.
Neoplastic conditions are notable in older rats:
- Mammary adenocarcinoma – appears as palpable masses in the mammary chain; may metastasize to lungs and liver.
- Pituitary adenoma – causes endocrine imbalance, weight gain, and alopecia.
- Lymphoma – presents with enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, and organ infiltration.
Respiratory ailments are among the most common causes of morbidity:
- Mycoplasma pulmonis infection – chronic rhinitis, sneezing, and otitis media; often co‑occurs with secondary bacterial pneumonia.
- Pasteurellosis – produces purulent nasal discharge, facial swelling, and septicemia in severe cases.
Gastrointestinal problems frequently arise from diet or infection:
- Gastric ulceration – associated with stress, NSAID use, or Helicobacter infection; leads to melena and abdominal pain.
- Coccidiosis – causes watery diarrhea, dehydration, and weight loss; spreads through contaminated litter.
Skin disorders extend beyond fungal and parasitic causes:
- Alopecia due to hormonal imbalance – manifests as symmetrical hair loss, especially on the flank and tail base.
- Traumatic wounds – may become infected, leading to ulceration and systemic illness if untreated.
Prevention relies on proper husbandry: clean bedding, balanced diet, regular health checks, and quarantine of new arrivals. Prompt veterinary assessment is essential whenever clinical signs appear.