When should I take my rat to the vets?

Common sense is generally the best guide. It is common for a rat to develop respiratory problems and the sooner you take your rat to the vets the better chance of recovery.

Rats are prone to respiratory problems, commonly these problems are linked to the mycoplasm virus which opens your rat to bacterial infections.

A good way to check your rat is to listen for sneezing, or a red (blood like) substance forming around the eyes and nose. This is generally the first sign of problems and is called ‘porphyrin’. Echinacea solution mixed with their drinking water will in many scenarios boost there defenses and fend off bacterial infections. If it appears to not be working best advice is off to the vets for a dose of aggressive antibiotics.

Rats also frequently grow lumps and bumps. These can be many things but tumours or cysts/ abscesses are common, if treated quickly a vet can either operate or drain the infected area.

Don’t panic if it is a tumour as most often they are benign and once removed your rat can normally live a standard healthy life.

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