Common Rat Illnesses. What Are They?

We love our animals. Every species, every kind. We hate it when they’re unwell; it's the absolute worst. But, when common rat illnesses are treated quickly, most can be cured. Be aware, though, that rats are well-known (like other small animals) for not showing signs of illness in their behavior. This makes it even more important, as rat parents, to know what we’re looking for during health checks.

Common Rat Illnesses and Diseases

There are a number of illnesses that can affect rats. But, there are 7 really common ones to be super aware of.

Abscesses

Abscesses are really the worst. For your rat and for you. Your rat can get an abscess from an infection, and the abscesses can grow really, really big. Once they burst you should expect some pus. We know it’s not pleasant, but you’ll need to clean the area with warm salt water so the abscess doesn’t return. When properly cleaned and coupled with a course of antibiotics, your rat should return to normal when the would is completely healed. If you have multiple rats, it’s best to separate them while cleaning/antibiotics are in full force, so that your rat suffering from the abscess can focus primarily on getting better.

Stroke

You can breathe. Strokes in rats aren’t very common unless they’re 1. Overweight, 2. Have a history of illness, 3. Are really old. Stroke symptoms are very similar to ear infections in rats… remember, a lot of symptoms can mimic many different illnesses, and this is why it’s suggested that rats with suspected ear infections get to their exotic vet ASAP. Strokes in rats can cause a little or a lot of damage… the damage varies. Your veterinarian will asses the damage and come up with a plan of how to proceed.

Tumors

Would you guess that malignant tumors on rats are just about as common as benign tumors? Unfortunately, though, they tend to come back, even after surgery. If your rat is diagnosed with a malignant tumor, the very best option is to talk to your exotic vet about a prognosis and plan of action. They do spread pretty quickly, so it’s smart to make an appointment ASAP.

Mycoplasma

Did you know that every single rat ever born is born with and carries Mycoplasma Pulmonis? (The only reason I knew this is because I did a blog on it.) Anyway, this common rat illness is a respiratory disease that may or may not affect your rat during their lifetime. Mycoplasma symptoms can be caused by tons of factors: poor living conditions, a weakened immune system, stress, and other underlying illnesses that have an effect on your rat’s overall health.

So what are the symptoms? Sneezing. Wheezing. Sniffling. Difficulty breathing. Lethargy. If your rat is displaying any of these, you need to get them to the vet. While their symptoms may not be from Mycoplasma, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If they are caused by Mycoplasma, your rat will likely be prescribed with Baytril (an antibitoic.) Mycoplasma is fatal in rats if left untreated, so again, get to your exotic vet.

Scabbing

Scabbing is most likely a symptom of 1. Rats fighting, 2. Lice, 3. Mites. If you have only one rat, it’s probably lice/mites (unless there’s an allergy). Although scabbing might not seem like the most serious issue, you need to have your rats treated quickly if you suspect lice/mites. Your exotic vet will likely prescribe Ivermectin, but make sure you have a fantastic exotic vet and that you trust them completely; the dosage has to be correct… overdoses of Ivermectin are fatal to rats.

Bumblefoot

If you have a small animal in your family, you’re probably familiar with bumblefoot: a pretty common issue that rat parents will probably face at some point. (You’re lucky if this isn’t the case!) The main cause of bumblefoot starts from an injury (a small cut or scrape that becomes infected). Symptoms? A red bump on the foot that kinda looks like a callus. The bumps, if left untreated because bigger, can scab, and even bleed. And no one wants that. Worse, bumblefoot can lead to inflammation and abscesses if it’s not taken care of. What will your vet do? They’ll probably give a round of antibiotics, and give you some good tips to disinfect the wound and clean it on a regular basis.

Ear Infection

Ear infections in rats are actually not all that common, but we want to talk about them anyway. What are some symptoms of ear infections in rats? Well, a lack of balance, definitely. Lethargy. And head-tilting are the most common. You’ll need to take your rat to your exotic vet if they’re experiencing any of these symptoms; it’s never wise to self-diagnose, as ear infection symptoms can also be signs of other illnesses.

As your rats get older, or really at any point in their lifetime, it's likely that your rat will become unwell. It's so important as a pet parent to know the symptoms of common rat illnesses to look for. We'll help them faster and better this way, and they'll love us for helping them. And we'll love ourselves for knowing that we always do the best we can.