Although I sometimes temporarily care of some brown rats, I still consider myself to be a beginner in brown rat keeping. In the beginning of this year, a white lab brown rat ended up in my temporary care. I noticed that Běluše (that’s how I called her given her white fur) extensively licks her fur. I knew that brown rats are really clean animals. But is that really normal? I interpreted that as my insufficient knowledge of brown rats and didn’t pay too much attention to it
Although I sometimes temporarily care of some brown rats, I still consider myself to be a beginner in brown rat keeping. In the beginning of this year, a white lab brown rat ended up in my temporary care. I noticed that Běluše (that’s how I called her given her white fur) extensively licks her fur. I knew that brown rats are really clean animals. But is that really normal? I interpreted that as my insufficient knowledge of brown rats and didn’t pay too much attention to it.
But when she also started scratching herself and biting her fur out, I realized something’s wrong. A long time ago I heard that brown rats self-derogate. So is that anxiety and sadness? It came to my mind that as well as some dogs suffer from separation anxiety, also small rodents can suffer from it (even though not in the sense in which it is used by experts). They are still social animals.
My friend who is a vet I called for advice to told me this could be parasites. These are the so-called ectoparasites, i.e. parasites living in the fur of brown rats. These include louses, bird-louses but also scrabies. Brown rats usually catch them in a pet shop. They can even get to the bedding. That quite scared me. And I was even more scared when I discovered bloody spots and scabs where Běluše bit out her fur. I didn’t leave that to chance and started with home treatment.
What can you do when you find out your brown rat has skin parasites? At first make sure the diagnosis is correct. These skin parasites are said to be most common behind ears, around the head and between shoulder blades but they can also occur at paws. So if you notice anything suspicious, take a photo and send it to your vet in order not to stress your brown rat with an unnecessary trip to a vet. You can also compare it to photos shared by brown rat keepers in discussion forums. If you want to be 100 % sure, your vet will collect a skin sample, the so-called scraping.
Treatment is not very difficult in most cases. My friend recommended me to buy an antiparasitic agent at the chemist’s, e.g. Stronghold (for kittens and puppies up to 2 kg). Prepare that it might be quite costly. The price usually ranges from several hundreds to a thousand crowns. Antiparasitic agent is applied between shoulder blades. For some, it is necessary to apply them more than once. Consult your vet about it at least on phone. Usual recommended treatment duration is 7 to 10 days. In the case of scrabies, it is good to use a disinfectant (e.g. Betadine) for the injured spot.
What is necessary is the sanitation of the cage and all equipment you don’t want to throw away (I would rather replace the bedding from another package, as well as feed). You can also use vinegar besides a gentle disinfectant to clean the cage. Change all cloths, including hammocks, or wash them with sufficient water temperature (min. 60 degrees). Also disinfect all toys.
When it comes to bleas, a similar procedure to that of treatment in dogs and cats your brown rat probably caught them from is recommended. To be sure, rather treat all your animals if you have a dog or a cat, too. Get an antiparasitic spray. I found preparations from Frontline useful. But even in this case, it won’t do any harm if you consult your vet on phone :).
If you have any other animal at home, may it be a dog, a cat or a small rodent, you don’t have to be afraid of transmission. Most external brown rat parasites stay in the fur of brown rats. The likelihood of transmission is minimal.
If you’re thinking about starting canistherapy with your four-legged friend, but you don’t know whether you would manage, here you will find a brief overview of the characteristics your dog is supposed to have and what he should all know.
Dermatological problems are one of the most frequent reasons of veterinary visits. Cats often suffer from them as well. A skin problem may appear due to several reasons and you may not notice it immediately. Also because of the time that cats devote to...
Toxocariasis is the most frequent parasitosis in dogs and cats. If we want to keep both ourselves and our pets safe, regular deworming is necessary. Do you know what’s behind this disease and how it’s transmitted?
If you’re thinking about getting a rabbit, maybe you will find handy a bit of advice how to house him at home. A rabbit has certain needs as any other animal and it’s up to us, the owners, to make its life as comfortable as possible.
Holiday time is approaching fast and maybe you’re considering where to go with your four-legged friend. If you’d like to go camping, there are certainly many things you should consider. You have to plan and pack not only for yourself, but also for your...
Zoonoses are diseases common to both animals and humans. Are you interested in how such a disease can be transmitted, which ones are we at risk of in the Czech Republic or how to defend against them?
Guinea pigs are one of the most common pets that parents get for their children. They are considerably less demanding to take care of than cats or dogs. They stand out among rodents because of their sociable nature, willingness to snuggle and they are...
I have already written about dogs and how they (don’t) feel pain. So let’s look at cats. It is often not very simple to recognize. But the early recognition of the problem is important for their health and well-being.
Last time, I explained that allergy to fur as such does not exist. I wrote about allergens, the symptoms of allergy and the breeds that are hypoallergenic. Today, I will share with you how to cope with the allergy without giving your pet away.
Did you know that the concept of "allergy to fur" is actually a nonsense? The hair itself are not the only allergens. So what exactly is the person allergic to if he/she is allergic to dogs/cats and does he/she have to get rid of the animal immediately...
No matter that the surgery is minor, each brings certain risks. It is also a mental and physical burden for the animal. I wrote down several tips how you can eliminate the risks and the burden as much as possible.
This is really what this sport is about – herding balloons. The aim is the same as for herding sheep, get all the balls into the gate. And do not be mistaken, treiball is not only for herding dogs. You can do this sport with dogs of any race, size and...
