AboutSandra Conti-Todd Expertise NOTE:
I am sorry for any long delays in responses. I have been going through some personal issues with my life but things are looking up for me and I am getting my life back on track again and will promise to be here for all rat lovers to help guide you on proper care. Love to all of you!
To request a telephone consultation, please email sandyscrittercity@yahoo.com. in order to schedule a date and time that is feasible for both you and I. There is no time limit on weekends or after 99pm M-F or if your cell phone carrier is Verizon Wireless. There is no charge for a telephone consultation. I offer my advice free of charge since my goal is to simply keep your rats happy and healthy for as long as possible. My reward is knowing that people learning as much as they can on rat care in order to provide the best care possible. Thats all I need to know. You cant put a price tag on love:)
As one of the top experts here at allexperts for 2008, I am happy to be able to help advise others on the proper care of pet rats.
I am a rat care specialist/advisor for area vets and have 20 plus years experience working with rodents.
I can advise you on the most current treatments available to your rat for common and also complicated ailments that seem to affect domestic rats during their life time. I do telephone consults and have even had some wonderful Vets call me to compare notes/stories. I also have training in animal behavior with the main focus being the study of rodent behavior.
I also have experience with wild rats, raising one myself .
Experience My expertise
Includes the following:
1. Education on prevention of tumors, lung and heart disease and disease of the kidneys too.
2. Up to date treatments for tumors in rats,both benign or malignant tumors.
3. The most current treatments used successfully to treat lung and heart disease
4. Prevention and treatment of the mycoplasma organism that our rats are plagued with since the day they are born, among other common ailments that attack our rats, just to name a few.
My job as a rodent consultant is to educate the owner on proper care of the animal but in no way does my advice take the place of seeking professional treatment by a qualified Veterinarian.
However, I will contribute to this site by answering your questions about raising pet rats and any problems that may arise regarding their health, diet, husbandry and over all well being of the rat to **the best of my ability.**
Organizations I maintain my website, Critter City and update it often to keep up with current treatments concerning pet rat health care. Please click the link above to take you there!
Publications My own website of course, and also I have brochures on rat care that are found in various animal clinics in my area.
Education/Credentials
Mentored by highly noted exotic specialists in my area. I am a member of the ASPCA.
Awards and Honors Was honored by being chosen to be one of the top 50 experts of 2008
Past/Present Clients My past clients have been through various animal clinics and I also am mentor to new rat owners that reach me through here and my website too.
My girl Chloe had a litter of pups yesterday - 12. Not planned or anything, but she decided to sneak into my bucks cge for a visit!!
SHe had a lot of blood in her bedding and around the cage. She appears exhausted, breathing heavy, and when she goes to groom herself a little she falls over. She looks so thin too. What can I do for her?
Thanks again,
Heidi
Answer Hi Heidi
Your message must have gotten stuck in cyber space, I just got it today and it was dated for a day or so ago. I am sorry for the delay. I do hope this message finds your new momma rat doing better.
If she is still bleeding, she needs a vet but some bleeding after birth is normal but it should ease up right away.
How old is she?
Having pups can be exhausting rats just like humans are exhausted too. Imagine having 12 babies!! Yikes!
However, is she nursing ok and sitting with the pups? Check the new babies tummies and be sure you see what is called MILK BAND in the tummies. Their skin is very translucent at this age and you can actually see their bellies. A pup that has just been feed should have a nice plump belly and you can literally see the white milk in their tummies.
Check all of the babies to be sure.
She should also sit on them most of the time, taking time for herself to eat, drink and maybe stretch out for a spell, but she should be wanting to sit with the babies most of the time. You also need to be sure to handle the pups daily to get the socialized.
As for her diet, what is she eating now? Her diet should increase in the proteins (quality proteins ) including animal proteins such as baked chicken breasts or whatever white chicken meats. You can even scramble an egg for her. Watch cucumbers and lettuce too as these can cause watery stools and even gas which can go to the pups and cause them to be uncomfortable.
