Common Signs of Illness in Rats
Common Signs of Illness in Rats
Signs | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
Wounds with patchy hair loss on the back, neck, and base of tail | This might be a sign of ringworm, barbering, or skin parasites such as mites or lice. |
Reddish-brown discharge around the eyes | This might be a sign of a respiratory infection or infection by sialodacryoadenitis virus. These infections are very serious and can lead to pneumonia. |
Head tilt or circling | This might be a sign of ear infection, respiratory infection, or pituitary tumor. |
Itching and scabs | These might be signs of allergies, parasite infection (for example, mites or lice), high-protein diet, or bacterial or fungal infection of the skin. |
Lump | This might be an abscess, cyst, or tumor. |
Paralysis | This might be due to brain or pituitary tumors (usually front leg paralysis) or stroke (usually 1 side and a rapid onset). |
Sneezing, wheezing, or gasping | These might be signs of allergies, heart failure, respiratory infection, or stroke. |