You are here:

Pet Rats/Sick or stressed rat?

Advertisement

Expert: Sandra Todd - 7/3/2009


Question
Hello,
I got my two girls about 2 weeks ago. They were both the same size and weight when i first got them. But my one girl Dorothy had a little bit of porphyrin around her eyes. I have read that is caused by stress and respitory illnesses, so I have waited awhile to see if it will get worse or go away, and so far the porphyrin hasnt gone away but hasnt gotten anyworse. But I have also noticed that Dorothy is a lot skinnier then her sister at this point too, and she is alot less active then her sister. I realize that rats have different personalities but im worried she is sick.
Thank you very much

Answer
Hi Erin

Some rats have  porphryin no matter what and often have it more when they first wake up etc...

However, if you are worried, I would see the vet for peace of mind. If you need a vet, please let me know and also let me know where in Canada your located and I will gladly give you some names of vets that are qualified to care for exotics.

Pet Rats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Sandra Todd

Expertise

Please refer to my website, Sandys Critter city. Click the link below. Should it fail to take you to my website, please just go to sandyscrittercity.com. There may be alot of information for you that may help with your problems so please refer to my site as well as asking me whatever it is you are interested in knowing. I am here to assist you the best that I can in most areas concerning your rats! Critter City 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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.