AboutSandra Conti-Todd Expertise 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 ( I am NOT a Veterinarian nor do I imply that I am in any way) 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.
I have also written an article for a rat and mouse magazine focusing on surgery on rats. The magazine is a UK based magazine.
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 - my name is Savannah. I am 11 years old and my rat just died. My mom and I are wondering - what happened? One day, my rat is happy and boyant. Then she yesterday, we did hear some unusual commotion in her cage. She was knocking over her house, jumping, and squeaking. WE think she went for 2-3 days without food, but had water. She usually has some food stashed. Suddenly tonite she died? I walked over to her cage and there she was lying by her door on her side, petrified ... she looked as though she had been shocked. Any ideas? We hope she didn't starve, but she was not really sickly. What do you think?
Answer I am very sorry your rat died.
Why did your rat go without food in her bowl for two days?
I do not think she starved to death, but chances are she had some illness that caused her to panic. Sometimes rats have a respiratory infection that keeps them from getting oxygen. When this occurs, the rat will panic and run about the cage and act scared. This sounds like what may have occurred with your rat.
