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.
Question Hi Sandra!
I'm a long time rat lover but first time breeder. My momma rat has one inflamed nipple. Her babes are 3 weeks old. Will this resolve on it's own or is there something I should do?
Also, a question about degloved tails. I have read that a a bit of missing tail can be treated at home but a lot needs to be treated by a vet. How much is a lot? For example, 1/2 inch would fall into what category?
Many thanks!
Answer
Hi!
Her nipple may be engorged. It may resolve on its own after lactation but watch it for any discharge.
About the degloved tail- Degloving is serious and painful. As a matter of fact believe it or not, my 10 year old cat was just degloved. He got his tail caught in the door (my 80 lb dog leaned against the door as the cat was leaving the room) Cat freaked, pulled his tail out and...well...it was just one intense scene for at least 10 minutes. Blood all over the bathroom as if it were a murder scene and all I saw was the exposed vertabrae just like with the rat. Long story short, they had to remove half his tail but he is doing good. Got stitches out today. This is one reason it has taken me so long to respond to everyones messages because usually I respond in less than 12 hours. Between the cats injury and the storms we had that were responsible for our power loss and loss of high speed internet, I am super backed up with messages and apologize for taking so long. Next time I promise it wont be so long:)
ANYHOW...how does the tail look? If it is drying up and perhaps turning black, it will fall off on its own. Sometimes it does warrant antibiotics but if the rat is acting OK and eating,drinking and playing as if nothing is wrong, chances are it will fall off on its own (the injured part that is)
Is it black at all? If so, this means it is necrotic (tissue is dying) and you should watch for infection.
How does it look today? Can you take a picture and send it to me at
askcritterkeeper@yahoo.com that would help considerably!!
