What do decorative rats suffer from - common rodent diseases

Diseases of rats and mice: a list of obvious ones

Contrary to the myth about their vitality, ornamental animals are not in good health. Typical mistakes in keeping and breeding shorten the already short life of a pet.

What diseases of rats and mice are diagnosed:

• diseases of the ears, eyes;
• infectious pathologies;
• injuries of varying severity and location;
• tumors (benign, malignant);
• disruption of internal organs.

Fact! Rodents do not suffer from rabies, although theoretically it cannot be ruled out that they can become carriers of a dangerous pathology. Such cases are rare.

HIV infection is practically not diagnosed in rodents. There are frequent cases of the formation of malignant neoplasms, and the pituitary gland is the first to be affected.

What are the most common diseases of domestic rats?

Decorative rats, like any other animals, are susceptible to many diseases. However, some pathologies are most common in small rodents. Such diseases include:

1. Oncology . Rats are prone to developing tumors. Most benign tumors are removed surgically. Malignant neoplasms, unfortunately, cannot be treated.
2. Colds . Decorative rats are very sensitive to the slightest changes in environmental conditions. A slight draft or a drop in temperature of a few degrees can trigger a cold.
3. Infections of viral, fungal and bacterial nature . The immunity of rats is quite weak, so when encountering pathogenic microorganisms, the animal’s body offers practically no resistance.
4. Parasitic diseases . Rodents are subject to invasion by both external (ticks, fleas) and internal parasites (helminths).

Many diseases of decorative rats develop against the background of improper keeping of furry rats. For the well-being of rodents, care must be taken to maintain a comfortable microclimate and cleanliness in the cage.

Pet pathologies

Rats and mice living at home do not like drafts and are susceptible to respiratory diseases. Initial grunting, snoring, and wheezing quickly develop into pneumonia with a high risk of death.

Decorative mice suffer from a viral infection - mousepox, which ends in death in 80-90% of cases.

Infectious diseases of rats and mice:

1. Tuberculosis.
2. Arachnoses (parasites).
3. Pneumonia, ARVI.
4. Mycoplasmosis.

The constant companions of wild rodents are skin parasites (ticks, fleas, lice eaters) and ringworm. Pets are also sensitive to them, but diseases appear if they are poorly maintained.

Tumors of various origins, problems with teeth, gums, and urolithiasis are diagnosed as non-infectious diseases. Older rats suffer from cardio-renal failure and obesity, which is not surprising given a sedentary, well-fed lifestyle. This manifests itself in dysfunction of the respiratory system, water retention and swelling. You need to pay attention to the gastrointestinal tract, especially with improper feeding.

Oncology in rats

Unfortunately, among rodents, rats take first place in the occurrence of neoplasms. This is due to the fact that for a long time these cute animals were used as laboratory animals, so their genotype is disturbed. Cancer occurs at any age, but most often in animals older than 2 years. Localization can be different: these are neoplasia of the washing glands, tumor degeneration of lipomas (formations from adipose tissue), skin neoplasms. The only treatment for tumors is surgical removal.

The possibility, risk and method of performing the operation are determined by a specialist after examining the animal and collecting all the necessary information. In animals older than 1.5 years, a preliminary biochemical blood test is recommended as a minimum test. Sometimes the risk of surgery is high. There are a number of postoperative complications, for example, a sharp acceleration of tumor growth with damage to new tissue. It is possible to use drugs that inhibit the growth of tumor cells, but their effectiveness is not always high.

What diseases do rats and mice carry?

Decorative pets can “share” infectious pathologies. The list of potentially dangerous to humans includes:

• plague, typhus;
• "rat bite" (sodoku);
• pneumonia;
• toxoplasmosis, listeriosis;
• tularemia, leptospirosis;
• rickettsiosis, toxocariasis;
• rabies, hemorrhagic fever.

The list of diseases from rats and mice will continue with fungal diseases (ringworm), pasteurellosis, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis. Diseases are transmitted by airborne droplets, through skin lesions and bites. Domestic rodents are less dangerous, but you should still not have close contact with them, kiss them, or eat from the same plate.

Parasitic diseases

The most common diseases are helminthic infestations, coccidiosis, and ectoparasites (lice eaters, fleas, scabies mites).

Worms in rats

Worms primarily affect the intestines, but there are species that live in the liver, kidneys and muscle tissue. Some representatives have a developmental cycle that affects the lungs. In any case, worms can never be ruled out. A newly acquired animal must be treated with anthelmintic drugs for rodents. In the future, as a preventative measure, it is worth giving the drug 2 times a year if the animal is kept in a cage and 3-4 times a year if the animal is taken to the country.

When affected by worms (helminths), the digestion process is disrupted and the digestibility of feed decreases. In the animal, owners note progressive emaciation, deterioration in the quality of the coat (the appearance of dandruff, periodic itching, brittle hair, areas of baldness), alternating diarrhea and constipation, and the presence of grains, grains or hairs in the feces. Treatment: administering anthelmintics for rodents orally strictly according to the instructions, based on the weight of the animal at the time of treatment.

External parasites of rats

Ectoparasites live on the surface of the skin and in the deep layers of the dermis. To evaluate the latter, it is necessary to make deep scrapings in an amount of at least 5 pieces from different locations on the border of the healthy and affected areas. It is not always possible to accurately identify the identity of the parasite, but in any case they act according to the generally accepted scheme - treatment with insectoacaricidal preparations, produced in the form of drops or sprays (Beaphar, 8 in 1, Stronghold), as well as ivermectin preparations, for example ivermec, used by injection.

Coccidia in rats

Coccidiosis is a disease caused by the parasite E. falciformis, a parasitic protozoan. They have a narrow specificity, so the disease in rats is not dangerous for humans. They live in the epithelial cells of the intestine and, when multiplying, cause their destruction. Clinical signs of this disease are cyclical stool disorders, progressive exhaustion of the animal, and the presence of blood and mucus in the stool.

For diagnosis, stool is tested for parasites. Treatment comes down to the use of coccidiostats, sulfonamide drugs, symptomatic therapy aimed at eliminating dehydration, the use of nutrient solutions, etc.

What does a sick rodent look like?

A breeder of rats and mice should be aware of a number of signs that may indicate ill health in a pet.

Suspicious symptoms:

• change in behavior (apathy, aggression);
• discharge from the eyes, cloudy cornea, sticky eyelids;
• dull and unkempt fur;
• nasal discharge, mucus, crusts;
• unusual posture, tension.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system are characterized by a lack of air, the rodent falls on its side. Urine will “tell” about kidney diseases; it is cloudy, with impurities, a pungent odor, and discolored. Constant itching, bald spots, and hair loss indicate skin parasites.

All decorative rodents have problems with teeth. In nature, they constantly chew on objects, grinding down their teeth. Pets at home do not have the opportunity to move freely and choose. If the owner does not take care, there is a risk of excessive growth of the incisors, damage to the soft tissues of the skull and bones.

What else do rats get sick with?

The list of diseases of decorative rats can be continued for quite a long time, since these rodents by nature have rather poor health. In addition to the diseases listed above, rats most often suffer from the following pathologies:

1. Pododermatitis . In simple words - corns. Appear when kept on rough bedding. Risk factors also include older age and increased body weight. Complications of the disease include suppuration, which is very painful and subsequently breaks through. To avoid such problems, rats' feet are moisturized with baby cream or oil. It is also recommended to replace the bedding with a softer one, such as paper litter.
2. Conjunctivitis . It develops in improper sanitary conditions - when dust and dirt particles get into the eyes, as well as when the eyelids are damaged (for example, scratching). Symptoms of the disease include: swelling of the mucous membranes and skin of the eyelids, drainage from the eyes leading to souring, decreased visual acuity, and lethargy. Treatment is carried out by instilling special eye drops. The drug and dosage are selected by the veterinarian.
3. Periodontitis is a dental disease characterized by gradual loosening and loss of incisors. Poor quality nutrition, predominantly liquid foods, leads to the development of pathology. Symptoms of the disease include yellowing and loosening of teeth, bad breath, and red and swollen gums. Treatment consists of removing damaged teeth.
4. Vitamin deficiency . It develops against the background of an unbalanced rodent diet, leading to an acute deficiency of vitamins. Characteristic symptoms: lethargy, dullness and hair loss, drowsiness, mood swings. Treatment is carried out by introducing fresh vegetables, fruits and berries into the diet, as well as adding special vitamin complexes to the feeders.

Every rodent owner should have information about diseases of ornamental rats: symptoms and treatment, causes and prevention - issues that need to be studied before purchasing a pet. Early recognition of the disease and timely visit to the veterinary clinic will not only help to avoid complications, but may also save the animal’s life.

Common rodent diseases: symptoms

The following diseases are more common in veterinary practice according to call statistics. Symptoms are not always specific, so the help of a veterinarian is required in any case.

Respiratory diseases

VGB provokes a virus that affects the hematopoietic organs. Hemolytic disease is manifested by symptoms of respiratory failure, bleeding from the mouth, anus, and nose.

Bronchosepticosis is characterized by the appearance of serous-purulent nasal discharge. In the absence of treatment and the addition of bacterial microflora, the disease quickly develops into pneumonia. Symptoms: apathy, insufficient functioning of the cardiovascular system, anorexia, the death of the animal occurs from exhaustion within 1-2 months.

Tuberculosis is suspected if there are enlarged lymph nodes, skin ulcers, or a cough with the release of a specific secretion.

With mycoplasmosis, red, dried crusts appear on the nose, a consequence of the formation of porphyrin. The disease often provokes respiratory pathologies and is characterized by wheezing that lasts more than 1 day. Symptoms: whistling, snoring, sneezing. Breathing is difficult; the intercostal muscles are activated during breathing. Rats and mice die if left untreated.

Pasteurellosis is a bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system. A cough, tachycardia, and rapid pulse develop. A purulent secretion forms in the nasal passages.

Aspergillosis develops due to the penetration of fungal spores into the lungs. The mycelium grows, specific nodules and foci of necrosis are formed. Breathing is difficult, the cardiovascular system is malfunctioning.

Symptoms of rhinitis do not always indicate infectious diseases. Mucopurulent discharge, snoring, and sneezing may indicate neoplasms of various locations, allergies, pulmonary edema and pulmonary insufficiency.

Heart diseases

Rats and mice suffer from arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, and dysfunction of the heart valves. Visually at home, it is almost impossible to determine CVS pathologies based on symptoms, so they are diagnosed in most cases posthumously. Heart abnormalities are caused by respiratory diseases, systemic pathologies and tumors.

Characteristic features:

• lethargy, apathy, anorexia;
• body position – head tilted up to facilitate breathing;
• the rodent is almost constantly asleep;
• swelling in the joints of the paws not associated with damage;
• dry heart cough.

The urine becomes dark, smells bad, and is rich. During the examination, cyanosis and coldness of the mucous membranes and skin of the peripheral parts of the body are noted. A timely consultation with a veterinarian will help alleviate the pet’s condition and prevent death.

Urological pathologies

Nephropathy is diagnosed in aged rats and mice. Characterized by enlarged kidneys, protein in the urine increases. KSD is a consequence of improper feeding, the rodent tries to urinate for a long time, the urge is empty, the urine is dark and mixed with blood. With cystitis of an infectious or traumatic nature, there is nervousness, a forced, unnatural (hunched) posture, urine leaks in small portions, and the process is accompanied by anxiety and squeaking.

Digestive diseases

Infectious stomatitis is rarely diagnosed; it can be detected by the “wet face” symptom. Ulcers and erosions appear in the oral cavity; the area around the nose and mouth is always moist due to salivation. They refuse to eat rats and mice; the pain from the damaged mucous membrane does not allow them.

The inability to constantly grind the incisors provokes their excessive growth. They injure soft tissues, sometimes they simply “pierce” the skull, making eating difficult or impossible.

Gastrointestinal diseases:

1. Sometimes due to stress, lethargy, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, and anorexia are observed.
2. Infections, foreign objects, and sudden changes in feeding negatively affect the gastrointestinal tract in mice and rats.
3. In case of poisoning there are: shortness of breath, diarrhea, porphyrin, loss of coordination, convulsions, stress, forced posture.
4. Under stress, stool softens and the smell of feces is unpleasant. Usually does not require treatment, it is enough to eliminate the source of concern.

Dangerous infectious diseases: tularemia, salmonellosis, pasteurellosis, VGB, “wet tail”, passalurosis.

Ornamental rodents should not be given food from the table; smoked foods, fried foods, marinades, and sweets are dangerous. Vegetables cause stool liquefaction, diarrhea occurs from dairy products, and a sharp change in diet leads to changes in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Rats and mice love to sneak inedible objects (plastic, rope, fabric, etc.) into the house. If they enter the intestines, a blockage occurs; treatment is only surgical.

Pathologies of the reproductive organs

In female domestic rodents, inflammation of the reproductive organs, pyometra, is common. In males there are neoplasms of the testes, in “ladies” there are malignant formations of the mammary glands, internal organs, and ovarian cysts. In case of miscarriage, listeriosis, trauma are suspected, and attention is paid to age or frequent childbirth.

Spirochetosis can be suspected by serous-mucopurulent inflammation and swelling of the genital organs; spirochetes colonize the skin on the back, eyelids, anus, causing ulcers.

Diseases of the central nervous system

Neurological symptoms in rats and mice occur due to injuries and infections. Diagnosed: lymphocytic choriomeningitis, Aujeszky's disease, encephalomyelitis, plague, rabies (rare). Tumors of the central nervous system and neuroses in rats are practically not identified. The latter occur due to violation of the conditions of detention, crowding, lack of attention, constant movement of the cage or internal contents, and anxiety.

The inattentive attitude of the breeder is fraught with injuries of various origins and symptoms; “painful heel” or pododermatitis occurs when the quality of the floor in the cage is poor, the pet is overweight and has minimal movement.

How to tell if a rat is sick

Although domestic rats have stronger immunity than, for example, hamsters, they also sometimes get sick. They suffer from colds, viral and bacterial infections, parasites, injuries and other ailments.

An attentive owner can easily detect that a rat is sick by the following signs:

• lethargy, apathy, reluctance to play;
• loss of appetite;
• weight loss;
• deterioration in the appearance of the coat - it will become disheveled, dull, unkempt;
• changes in the color, consistency and smell of droppings;
• nervousness, aggression;
• the appearance of bumps, scratches, ulcers on the body;
• discharge from the nasal passages and eyes;
• change in breathing rhythm, the appearance of wheezing;
• taking unnatural poses.

None of these symptoms should be ignored. If signs of illness are detected, you need to remove the rodent from its neighbors and observe it. It is advisable to start treating your rat as soon as possible so as not to lose your pet.

Pathology of the skin and its appendages

Skin diseases are caused by a lack of vitamins and minerals, allergies, diseases of the digestive system, fungal infections and ectoparasites. The most striking sign of a disease of the skin and its appendages is baldness.

An animal may lose fur as a result of:

• stress;
• nutrient deficiency;
• fungal infection (ringworm);
• helminth infections;
• long course of cancer;
• and parasitism of mites (skin and lice mites);
• as well as fleas and lice.

These diseases are characterized by itching, deterioration of hair quality and hair loss. At the same time, the animal scratches the skin until there are wounds into which bacteria can penetrate.

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) is an infectious viral disease. Transmitted by rodents, the causative agent is lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), a member of the family Arenaviridae, which was originally isolated in 1933.

The main host of the LCM virus is the common house mouse, Mus musculus. Infection in house mouse populations may vary depending on geographic location. House mice can transmit the virus throughout their lives without showing any signs of illness. Other rodents, such as hamsters, are not natural reservoirs but can become infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus LCM from wild mice at a breeder, pet store, or home. Humans are most likely to become infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus from house mice, but there is also evidence of infection from other domestic rodents.

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus disease has been reported in Europe, America, Australia and Japan and can occur where infected rodents are found.

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis most often presents with neurological symptoms, as the name suggests, although asymptomatic infection or mild fever is the more common clinical presentation.

In infected people, the first symptoms usually appear 8 to 13 days after exposure to the virus. The initial phase can last up to a week and usually begins with one or more symptoms: fever, malaise, lack of appetite, muscle pain, headache, nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms that appear less frequently include sore throat, cough, joint pain, chest pain, testicular pain, and parotid gland pain. In addition, pregnancy-associated infection is associated with congenital hydrocephalus, chorioretinitis, and mental retardation.

Dental problems in rats

Rats usually do not outgrow their cheek teeth. Incorrect growth of incisors with injury to the mucous membrane of the cheeks, lips and palate may occur. In this case, swelling of the mucous membrane occurs, increased salivation, decreased feed consumption, emaciation of the animal, and the formation of abscesses due to the introduction of bacterial microflora. Treatment consists of correction of incisors, local antiseptic oral treatments

cavities, force-feeding and at the onset of purulent inflammation - antibiotic therapy. Owners should monitor the growth of their pets' teeth and provide them with food of sufficient density to ensure proper wear.

Allergies in rats

Increased sensitivity of the body in rats is observed to food, insect bites, external particles (dust, sawdust, aerosols). Rats will eat anything that is not offered to them. but this does not mean that their diet should duplicate the human diet. With improper feeding, life expectancy is 1-1.5 years (which is what is observed in wild rats - pasyukov).

But if feeding standards are observed, the life expectancy of a rat increases to 3-4 years, or even more. Currently, special balanced food has been developed for decorative rats, ensuring proper quality of coat, grinding of teeth and stable operation of all systems. You shouldn't skimp on feeding your rats if you want them to have a happy life.

In case of allergic reactions to parasite bites, it is necessary to treat the animals with special drops, sprays and disinfest all parts of the cage. If there is a reaction to air components, it is necessary to place the animal’s house in the cleanest and most well-ventilated room.

Other diseases

Mouse pox or ectromelia

This pathology affects rats, mice, and less often other rodents. The disease is viral and affects animals that are weakened, for example as a result of severe stress. Rats and mice that are kept in cramped conditions are more likely to get sick.

The main signs of the disease are:

• swelling of the limbs;
• necrosis and ulceration of the epithelium of the skin of the extremities, then foci of gangrene appear;
• the appearance of pustular formations in the tail area (abscesses, boils).

At autopsy, animals are found to have serious pathologies of the liver (cirrhosis, dystrophy) and spleen. There is no treatment for this disease; mortality is 100% of affected animals. Therefore, when diagnosing this disease in pets, it is recommended to euthanize them.

Ear diseases

Otitis media is sometimes reported in rats. It is characterized by torticollis, the discharge of pus from the ear. The owner may feel an unpleasant odor from the animal’s ear even before discharge appears. At the same time, the pet rubs its ears vigorously and regularly.

Eye diseases

Most often this is conjunctivitis. This disease can be caused by debris getting into the pet's eye, injury during a fight, and infection. The pathology is characterized by swelling of the eyelids, redness of the mucous lining of the eye, lacrimation, the appearance of pus and sticking of the eyelids.

Digestive disease

Oral diseases

This group includes infectious stomatitis (wet muzzle) and excessive tooth growth. Infectious stomatitis rarely occurs in rats.

However, when:

• ulceration of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, tongue;
• pet's refusal to eat;
• constantly wet face.

It's worth thinking about this illness. If there is a lack of wooden objects for grinding down the incisors, these teeth in rats can grow to large sizes, injure the tongue, cause hypersalivation and refusal to eat. Anomalies of molars have not been recorded in small rodents.

Gastrointestinal diseases

These pathologies are characterized by diarrhea, less often constipation, lethargy of the animal, loss of appetite, and sometimes vomiting.

They can be called:

• poisoning;
• stress;
• infections (bacterial, viral, helminthiases);
• food that irritates the mucous lining of the stomach and intestines;
• foreign objects;
• individual food intolerance;
• rich or inappropriate food;
• change of diet (sharp and radical);
• drug treatment (primarily antibiotics, sulfonamides, chemotherapy drugs);
• oncological diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Poisoning

In case of poisoning in a small rodent, in addition to diarrhea, the following are observed: porphyrin secretions, apathy and refusal to eat, a hunched posture, and shortness of breath. There may be seizures and incoordination.

Impact of stressors

Under various stresses, a rat or mouse can excrete very soft and light-colored feces with a clearly distinguishable and unpleasant odor. This is a temporary disorder and does not require treatment.

Infectious diseases accompanied by abdominal symptoms

Many infectious diseases occur with stool disturbances, general weakness of the animal and its refusal to eat. This includes coccidiosis (intracellular parasitism of coccidia), and viral diseases and helminthiases, and bacterial infections.

For example, tularemia is accompanied by fever and vomiting.

Salmonellosis (paratyphoid) is characterized by bloating, strong grumbling, loose stools with a specific and extremely unpleasant odor.

Pasteurellosis in later stages is accompanied by diarrhea, loss of appetite, and swelling in the head and neck area.

VGB can occur with diarrhea and other unpleasant symptoms. Death occurs in 90% of cases.

Passalurosis occurs with symptoms of catarrh of the large intestine, stool disturbance, and itching in the anus and tail.

Wet tail is an infectious disease that occurs with stool that is liquid like water (due to which the fur in the anus area is constantly wet), loss of appetite, and irritability of the animal.

Food that irritates the animal's intestines

Rats should not receive fatty or fried foods from the master's table. You should not offer them sweets or marinades. All these foods can lead to enteritis and diarrhea.

Foreign objects

Small foreign objects can irritate the mucous lining of the digestive tract, large ones, as well as polyethylene, can cause constipation and colitis. Treatment is surgical.

Food intolerance

Rats can be lactose intolerant and will react with diarrhea to any dairy product. Sometimes laxative foods (beets, prunes) cause severe dilution of feces in these animals.

Rich food

Excessive variety of diet during one day or too large portions of food will inevitably lead to disruption of the stomach and intestines.

Changing your diet

Sudden changes in food can cause diarrhea in rats and mice. There is no need to feed your pet a dozen different foods at once. This will inevitably cause gastroenteritis.

Oncological diseases

Tumors of the gastrointestinal tract lead to stool disturbances, the appearance of mucus and blood in the stool, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and emaciation of the pet.

Rectal prolapse

The disease is not typical for small rodents, but sometimes occurs. The prolapsed part of the intestine is visible visually and requires reduction. It is better to take your pet to a doctor for these purposes.

Colds in rodents

A very common disease in rodents. Almost every animal has had a cold at least 2-3 times. Most often, the cause of the disease is low temperatures and drafts, as well as dampness. The pet develops a runny nose, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, the animal becomes less active, sleeps a lot, and its coat loses its shine.

To treat a cold, you need to organize warmth and comfort, and include as many vitamins as possible in the rodent’s diet (primarily vitamin C). Do not disturb him when he is resting, as he needs rest at this time.

Traumatic lesions

This group includes burns, fractures, wounds, cuts, and bites. Small rodents may have pododermatitis or painful heels.

Burns

May occur when exposed to flames, hot liquids and aggressive chemicals. Severe burns lead to tissue necrosis and death of the animal.

Fractures

The bones of the extremities are most often affected. This occurs as a result of a bruise, the release of a limb that is pinched by something, the growth of claws, or a sharp muscle contraction. The likelihood of a fracture is higher if the animal suffers from osteomalacia, a lack of vitamins.

Scratches and bites

When keeping several animals in one cage, the owner must be prepared for wounds and bites on the pets. Rats can fight over food, out of boredom, and for a number of other reasons. Wounds must be treated immediately, otherwise they will become infected.

Pododermatitis

The disease is usually traumatic in nature and is caused by an uneven cage floor and frequent running of the rat/mouse on a hard floor. Obesity and physical inactivity contribute to the development of the disease. The disease manifests itself as hair loss in the heel area and the appearance of inflamed areas in these places. Sometimes even the tendons of the foot are affected.