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Pet Rats/Questions Answered by Expert Sandra Todd

SubjectDate Asked
Rat has clear vaginal mucusy discharge?2/7/2012
  Q: My female rat is 22 months old. She has had an upper respiratory infection for two weeks that we ...
  A: For starters, normal treatment for antibiotics should be no less than 21 days, ideally 30. I also ...
Dumbo rat. Not sure if I should take him in or keep doing what I have been doin the last day2/3/2012
  Q: I have a dumbo rat. He is a very big and I think lightly over weight which I will be getting a ball ...
  A: First of all, forget buying that ball. Save your money. Rats should NEVER EVER be in a ball for ...
Pine ledges1/26/2012
  Q: I was just wondering if ledges made of pine in a rats cage would be an issue. As I have read that ...
  A: Sorry for the delay. You can reach me at sandyscrittercity@ yahoo.com for a faster answer in the ...
Persuading my aunt and uncle1/25/2012
  Q: They are against me getting a second rat for Delilah to have company. These are they're concerns. ...
  A: Get two boys or two girls never of course oppostie sexes. That will help stop babies for sure!! As ...
Pine ledges1/23/2012
  Q: I was just wondering if ledges made of pine in a rats cage would be an issue. As I have read that ...
  A: Not only does pine cause issues with respiratory tract but can also cause liver and kidney problems ...
Rat has salaiva drooping through its mouth1/22/2012
  Q: Today I noticed that my pat had water (saliva) coming from her mouth. She was acting weak. It newer ...
  A: It could be choking. Please avoid nuts or soft gooey foods like bread. Try baby foods or soft ...
Rat with a cold1/20/2012
  Q: I have two rats at about a year old and one of them, Tyrion, has recently had a cold- sneezed and ...
  A: Rats do not catch colds. THey are immune to the 200 plus viruses that cause the common cold. ...
Problem with 8 month old female fancy rat1/19/2012
  Q: For almost a week now my daughter's rat has shown signs of having a humped back. She is still ...
  A: A rat sometimes assumes this position when having pain. I would get eher to the vet right away. As ...
My Rat (s)1/17/2012
  Q: ..I'm a rat owner of 8 rats..So my question is.. All my rats are skinny.Their eating really ...
  A: Cody, can you tell me exactly what they eat? Do you buy your food at pet stores, are they seed ...
Spasms?1/16/2012
  Q: I sent you a message about my rat lucky a few months ago fearing he had bumble foot but it had ...
  A: Sounds like a seizure. I would take him to the vet for a good check up. I would suggest the vet ...
rat bites yesterday, dead today1/15/2012
  Q: yesterday my daughter was bit by her pet rat. today the rat is dead! do i get my daughter to a ...
  A: No, you have no need to worry about your daughter catching anything from the rat and if rabies is in ...
Pet Rat Stressed?1/3/2012
  Q: I recently got 2 pet rats and one of them seems to be very stressed, her hair has started to messy ...
  A: ! The rats will come around, I promise. It just takes time. Remember, rats have every reason in ...
Jacob12/30/2011
  Q: I am in desperate need of reassurance, I owned three rats, Jacob, George and William. All three rats ...
  A: Since you had George neutered, he should intro ok with the new rat, as long as the new rat is young ...
Jacob12/29/2011
  Q: I am in desperate need of reassurance, I owned three rats, Jacob, George and William. All three rats ...
  A: How tragic! I am so sorry for your loss and for going through what you have by seeing another rat ...
Onset of a few problems, notably Firm bulging stomach and diarrhoea12/28/2011
  Q: much as the subject say's, one of our ratties is currently ill. She's 2 years old, and has had a ...
  A: It could be a number of things, even kidney problems. Many rats do end up with kidney disease as ...
rolling rat12/12/2011
  Q: I adopted a rat who was going to be euthanized for a head tilt and walking in circles. This ...
  A: Give him longer....it takes a long time for it to get better if its from inner ear. If its from a ...
Zoey fighting with new young female12/11/2011
  Q: Okay, so you know my story intimately by now. It has been over 2 weeks since Ziggy passed away. ...
  A: I wont scold you for not doing a quarantine.....you obviously know that it is recommended and since ...
cages and accessories12/10/2011
  Q: but if you have been busy it's fine i just get a little impatient sometimes when it comes to my ...
  A: I dont think I have gotten any emails from you. I recommend a critter nation. You can buy the first ...
Labored breathing12/9/2011
  Q: Hey - I really hope you can help. I have two rats, Rooney and Bean. Rooney has always gotten over ...
  A: The reason he is like this is lack of proper treatment when he had active infection and now he ...
Labored breathing12/7/2011
  Q: Hey - I really hope you can help. I have two rats, Rooney and Bean. Rooney has always gotten over ...
  A: You dont need to have fluid in your lungs when you have pneumonia...I am hoping the vet knows this. ...
Ziggy's cause of death?11/29/2011
  Q: I posted a question last week and informed you that Ziggy had died. She was 2 months short of her ...
  A: Again, I am very very sorry you lost your precious Ziggy. I wish I could tell you what caused her ...
Lice on BABY rats11/26/2011
  Q: I recently was given a young female rat from a co-worker who had a litter of rats. She is a ...
  A: hmm.....this is unfortunate that the babies have lice. I hate that! Pesticides and baby rats dont ...
rat had babies, is pregnant again11/23/2011
  Q: Got my rats from a pets store, thinking they were both girls. nope. well my rat had 11 babies and i ...
  A: The best bet is to contact a pet store to see if they have a lactating rat or rat that is very near ...
Ziggy11/22/2011
  Q: I wonder if you remember Ziggy? You helped us through her tumor removal surgery and then the ...
  A: I am so so sorry for your loss. Yes I absolute do remember Ziggy!!! I found her photos not long ago ...
Rats11/15/2011
  Q: I've read all the posts and see similar incidents, but not quite the same as ours. My son had 5 ...
  A: Where did you get these rats from? If they are aggressive from poor breeding this can happen ...
Head tilt11/8/2011
  Q: I know for a fact that my rat has head tilt, and that she was unfortunately treated to late for it ...
  A: How long was she treated for? Is she still on the medication now? Can you tell me what her doses ...
Help!!10/27/2011
  Q: I have been reading your answers to other rat owners about bumble foot. I have found that is acute ...
  A: I really wish there were something over the counter to use, but unfortunately there is nothing that ...
Sudden death of pet rats10/26/2011
  Q: My son had two female rats that were approximately six months old. We got them at the same time from ...
  A: Oh that is really unfortunate to read...losing both rats at the same time. I wish I could pinpoint ...
Head tilt10/25/2011
  Q: I know for a fact that my rat has head tilt, and that she was unfortunately treated to late for it ...
  A: What is causing the head tilt? Ear infection or a tumor on the pituitary gland? Have you tried ...
Hairless Rat Neuter/ Abscess10/24/2011
  Q: My hairless male rate, Liguardio, who is roughly 6 months old went in for a routine neuter and he ...
  A: Well the first mistake is the vet did not give your rat antibiotics to take after a scrotal neuter. ...
Rat fall from shoulders10/24/2011
  Q: My rat slid down my back and landed on the lino floor on her feet. She won't put weight on one of ...
  A: You should get her to the vet. They can actually cast a rat but they may chew it off. A vet that is ...
Rat Blind In One Eye?10/23/2011
  Q: I believe that one of my rats is blind in one eye. It happened quite suddenly, but I have one full ...
  A: Hmmm....I am thinking there is something much more to this than him being blind. I have had blind ...
wild or stray rat?10/23/2011
  Q: A rat came in our open bedroom window and placed a paw on my wife's arm while she was snoozing with ...
  A: Contrary to popular belief, wild rats are not aggressive in the least. They are all the same, ...
Rats & Children10/21/2011
  Q: I am writing this from the UK. We have two pet rats and my daughters were, this morning, fighting ...
  A: Nope, dont worry a bit. I shudder to think of what I have possibly gotten in my mouth and that may ...
Hairless Rat Neuter/ Abscess10/19/2011
  Q: My hairless male rate, Liguardio, who is roughly 6 months old went in for a routine neuter and he ...
  A: I am sorry your rat is going through this. This, however, is one complication from a scrotal neuter. ...
my rat ate a little bit of raw red cabbage10/18/2011
  Q: my pet rat ate a tiny piece of raw red cabbage from a salad mix tonight. I just read that you ...
  A: I am located in Charlotte NC. Where are you? As for your rat eating the cabbage, she should be ok ...
lame rats10/16/2011
  Q: my daughter has 2 pet rats who she loves and cares for dearly. they are brothers aged 3years and 1 ...
  A: Sounds like your boys are both suffering from hind leg paralysis along with old age. I give you ...
Another Introduction Question10/16/2011
  Q: This is a follow up to my bad introduction question involving my three male rats, Artie, Hank, and ...
  A: HOw old is the newest rat? My advice? Stop trying to get them to be friends. Rats CAN kill each ...
rat death and lonely cagemate10/13/2011
  Q: I have had my two boys since about March and they are about 9 months old. I have have five previous ...
  A: How sad for you and your loss. Believe it or not, several years ago I lost my Peanut like this. He ...
aggression10/13/2011
  Q: Our male rat spike has gotten aggressive and his personality changed completely. He used to be in a ...
  A: I would consider neutering him to be honest. I have seen a total change in personalities in every ...
aggression10/12/2011
  Q: Our male rat spike has gotten aggressive and his personality changed completely. He used to be in a ...
  A: I am glad you cleared that up for me, by disclosing you are a breeder. You, as a breeder, know all ...
Pet rat not acting or looking like herself10/12/2011
  Q: On sunday we came home from a Thanksgiving dinner to find one of our pet rats (Lily) dead in the ...
  A: I am so sorry for your loss. Its hard to say what the rat died from. It could be anything from ...
aggression10/7/2011
  Q: Our male rat spike has gotten aggressive and his personality changed completely. He used to be in a ...
  A: This is why you should never breed a rat that you know nothing about. He has aggression issues and ...
Rat Health Questions10/5/2011
  Q: I found you while looking on google how to help my pet rat, and i was hoping you could share with me ...
  A: Have you seen my site, sandyscrittercity.com? Please take a look at it. I think you may enjoy it. ...
Possible ear infection?10/5/2011
  Q: I have two male rats that I bought from a pet store about 2 months ago or less. My hairless ...
  A: The vet may not know for sure what type if antibiotic is needed until they see the rat, but baytril ...
New Rat9/30/2011
  Q: I recently got a one year old rat from a friend who didn't want him no more. Me and my partner are ...
  A: He would for sure be too aggressive with a baby rat and may even hurt it if not kill it. I also tell ...
buck with sebeceous cyst9/29/2011
  Q: My male buck is one and a half. For four months he has had a lump growing slowly on his back. I have ...
  A: Can you take a photo of it and attach it here? Epidermoid cysts) develop beneath the skin and are ...
First time rat owner9/29/2011
  Q: I am a 61 year old Grandmother and first time pet rat owner. I puchased my beautiful friend Manu ...
  A: CongRATS on your new rat. I am a bit worried that if you get him a friend he may be too aggressive ...
rat intestinal problems9/29/2011
  Q: My daughter has a pet rat that has been heatlhy until recently. He started swelling around his ...
  A: I am afraid that your rat may have a serious problem. He really needs to see a vet. Chances are he ...
Fat ratty has bumblefoot - Ketoconazole topical treatment?9/28/2011
  Q: You've helped me in the past (My lovely rat Mocha just turned three, she's had four tumor surgeries ...
  A: I LOVE the little fleece jacket! That is so much better than what some vets put on rats that is ...
Aging badly or something else?9/28/2011
  Q: My 2 yr old rat, Sweet Pea, has always been a tad shyer than other rats, but recently ( last 3 days) ...
  A: Could be cardiac related. The vet needs to do a better exam. The heart can also cause them to have ...
My dumbo is doing some odd things I can't quite understand...9/27/2011
  Q: and I was wondering if you could help me out a bit. I've been done a lot of research on my own for ...
  A: For starters, clear urine is fine. He probably drinks plenty of water. Had there been a strong odor ...
Wild and domestic rat problems9/24/2011
  Q: About a week ago, we discovered that we have a wild rat living in our house somewhere. I did not ...
  A: The bone you see is actually a part of the rats vertebrae and the tail is actually an extension of ...
My Fancy Rat9/23/2011
  Q: Well it seems when i out her down she doesn't want to use her front legs. She is also slowed down. I ...
  A: Shannon, it sounds like she may have a tumor on her pituitary gland. This can cause her the ...
sudden rat death9/23/2011
  Q: My partner and I have (had, I suppose) 3 female rats. Two single rex dumbos and a double rex ...
  A: I am very very sorry for your loss. It could have been anything that took her life, from a bad heart ...
Death of my babe9/23/2011
  Q: Hey Sandra, My Scat died just 2 days ago....she was a 2.5 year old, white albino rat,...much loved, ...
  A: I am really so sorry for your loss. Your little rat lived a nice life, 2.5 years old is a long life ...
Chirping noises9/20/2011
  Q: quick background story. I bought 2 pet shop rats, day one one had a sevre resp infection (im ...
  A: I can see the aggressive rat now ...running around poofing up, running sideways and spitting and ...
my ratties9/20/2011
  Q: i bought two male rats on august 14th this year from different litter one 7 weeks and the other 8 ...
  A: I am not sure what advice you are asking for? Do you mean, if she has babies, or do you want to ...
I have two rats, one is extremely skidish9/17/2011
  Q: two months ago I purchased two baby female rats from a pet store. One is a hooded dumbo, the other ...
  A: So sorry for the delay. I have been on vacation. About your scared little rat....what is the play ...
I think my rat may have a brain tumor9/17/2011
  Q: I have two lovely pet rats who mean the world to me - Trix and Bubs. I got them both in February of ...
  A: The scabs on the rats face, is there is mass under the scab? I am wondering if they are not ...
Lola is 2 year old Fancy Rat9/16/2011
  Q: my Fancy Rat Lola is 2 years old and literally in a week she has lost almost all her weight and has ...
  A: Your rat is 2 years old. This is not considered an older rat. If she were closer to 3 years old, I ...
mama rat hasnt passed a fetus, babies not living9/15/2011
  Q: my mama, tierisce, went into labor three days ago. she still has a fetus inside. we took her to the ...
  A: I am sorry to hear of all of the trouble your little rat is having. One thing, how qualified is ...
Fervent Hoarding9/15/2011
  Q: I have two female rats that are about 7 months old. They were obtained from the same breeder, not ...
  A: Rats do fight, but its not as common in females. Males sometimes start to scrap more as they near ...
Rat ttumor?9/14/2011
  Q: our rat private has a growth on his back left leg that is getting bigger and bigger.it's about the ...
  A: Looks like a tumor, yes. Some tumors grow very fast while others grow slow. This tumor could easily ...
I think my rat may have a brain tumor9/14/2011
  Q: I have two lovely pet rats who mean the world to me - Trix and Bubs. I got them both in February of ...
  A: Hmmm...this is a tough question since head tilt can also be associated with an inner ear infection. ...
blind 9 week old pet rat9/11/2011
  Q: my baby rat was born with no eyes. we just got him 2 days ago. we have 3 total. my new boy baby ...
  A: I just got your question now, today...so I am going to assume you are already on your way to the ...
Rat with tumers need help9/6/2011
  Q: I got her from a shelter last year and they said they thought she was well over a year old which now ...
  A: Hmm...this is so hard because of her age...but I would not put her down just because she had a hard ...
Rat illness and severe biting9/4/2011
  Q: I recently adopted a young male rat from a petstore, he seemed healthy in the store but after I ...
  A: There are plenty of vets in the state of New York that sees rats. There are 34 that are registered ...
Curled up tail and running sideways9/2/2011
  Q: My rat has recently begun walking with her tail curled over her like a pug's tail. I looked this up ...
  A: I have seen rats with wheel tail and that was the first thought when I was reading this till you ...
RAT Biting Behaviour - ATWITSEND8/30/2011
  Q: I have 3 rats which I have had since October. I'll explain the situation before the problem btw ...
  A: Spaying does nothing for aggression in females. Sounds like you have a very nervous little rat that ...
red bugs8/26/2011
  Q: I have encountered 'red bugs' on my rats. They are not mites or lice. I try to clean any I find off ...
  A: Those are mites. They are tropical rat mites and the blood you see is from the mites. They feed on ...
2 female rats8/25/2011
  Q: i know rats need to chew things because their teeth continue to grow. Is it ok to give them paper ...
  A: Absolutely. This is called mycoplasmosis and you need to learn about it on my website. The cage ...
not sure if i trust my vet's diagnosis8/24/2011
  Q: okay so my rat's really ill. she's in between two and three years and she's white. her symptoms are ...
  A: Rats are immune to the common cold virus. Your vet is a quack. You need a new vet. She has ...
Baby Wild Rats8/23/2011
  Q: My neighbor's dog found 5 baby rats. All still have their eyes closed, but one looks like an eye ...
  A: They are 2 weeks or younger and its almost impossible to keep them alive at this age unless your a ...
Rat with Cancer8/19/2011
  Q: I had to take my rat in to the VET today and they just informed me that he has cancer. He has a ...
  A: How sad that he has cancer. However, I would NEVER EVER EVER EVER put my rat to sleep as long as he ...
female rat health8/17/2011
  Q: My female rat is about 6 months old and she has sneezed since the day I got her.Its not constantly ...
  A: Did you get her from the pet store? Sounds like she needs antibiotics for the sneezing... As for ...
partial loss of toe8/16/2011
  Q: About a week ago, my rat lost part of his toe (I think one of my other rats may have bitten it), he ...
  A: Your vet is TERRIBLE and your rat needs pain medication too. I would find another vet. I am so fed ...
cyst and swollen paw8/16/2011
  Q: I have a couple of questions to ask about my rat Reuban. When I got home from work last saturday he ...
  A: Your English was great, do not apologize. I love getting letters from people all over the world. ...
ear infection?8/15/2011
  Q: I really appreciate your help! I have two rats both about a year old and one of them had some ...
  A: So I was right to assume it was an abscess. As soon as you said there was a black scab I knew that ...
mucus, loss of appetite but no sneezing8/14/2011
  Q: I found my rat (about 2 and a half years old, male) this morning looking really ill. His fur was all ...
  A: I am so sorry to hear this, but you did the right thing by letting him go before he really started ...
ear infection?8/14/2011
  Q: I really appreciate your help! I have two rats both about a year old and one of them had some ...
  A: The vet you saw has NO certified small companion mammal vets there. It may say they see exotics but ...
ear infection?8/14/2011
  Q: I really appreciate your help! I have two rats both about a year old and one of them had some ...
  A: Thats an abscess in there. Under that black scab is going to be loads of nasty pus. That is what you ...
Rat wound8/13/2011
  Q: My rat Blossom has an operation last Thursday (4/8/11) to remove 2 lumps, one on the right side of ...
  A: Please see my site, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the topic on rat surgery and complications. ...
Orpahned 3 week old rats8/10/2011
  Q: When we brought my son's new pet rat home we did not know she was pregnant. She had 14 babies three ...
  A: Oh no I am so sorry you lost her!! I rescued a rat that also babies (had no idea she was pregnant ...
mucus, loss of appetite but no sneezing8/9/2011
  Q: I found my rat (about 2 and a half years old, male) this morning looking really ill. His fur was all ...
  A: I would take him to the vet. Honestly, I dont think he will rest very easily and if need be, he ...
2 female rats8/8/2011
  Q: i know rats need to chew things because their teeth continue to grow. Is it ok to give them paper ...
  A: Actually, there is no truth to it that rats need to chew on things in order to keep their teeth to a ...
rectal bleeding8/5/2011
  Q: yesterday my rat pooped and now he is bleeding and it wont stop i don't no what to do please help
  A: Oh my.....he needs to see a vet. I know about this sadly on a personal level as I lost my best boy, ...
Choking Rat8/3/2011
  Q: I think my rat is choking. He regurgitated earlier, and has been wheezing and hacking for a few ...
  A: Again I am sorry you lost him, but it does seem it was definitely related to either the heart ...
Choking Rat8/2/2011
  Q: I think my rat is choking. He regurgitated earlier, and has been wheezing and hacking for a few ...
  A: Ok that makes sense now. I did not know how old he was for starters, and the cyanosis (blue ...
rat not able to climb down8/2/2011
  Q: Flute is probably 2 months old and was all alone in a cage in Pets at Home so I bought her and two ...
  A: I have three new babies, born May 28th and May 23, so they are pretty young as well and as you said, ...
How many rats will fit in my homemade cage?8/1/2011
  Q: I was wondering about how many rats would be comfortable in my homemade 'cage'. It is almost 4 ft. ...
  A: I would not put more than 4 males together no matter how big the cage was because of their natural ...
Choking Rat8/1/2011
  Q: I think my rat is choking. He regurgitated earlier, and has been wheezing and hacking for a few ...
  A: Is he better now? The move is called the rat fling, and it is DANGEROUS and should only be used if ...
Pregnancy7/31/2011
  Q: It seems my question got lost. [?] I will post it again, many thanks in advance. I am a small ...
  A: The most common causes of fetal resorption are inadequate hormone levels, maternal infectious ...
Pregnant7/29/2011
  Q: About two weeks ago I put my female rat with my other male rat and her nipples has came out and she ...
  A: Gestation is about 21 days. She may be pregnant just simply by putting her with a male. How old is ...
my infant rat7/27/2011
  Q: i got an infant rat a few days ago, and im doing my best to care for it. but, ive noticed it is ...
  A: Where did you get this baby rat from? She is not even 2 weeks old yet and should be nursing from her ...
Hind Leg Weakness7/25/2011
  Q: You were kind enough to help me out when my first old boy, Lionel, was diagnosed with cardimyopathy. ...
  A: I wish I was able to help advise more but the medications in the UK are alot different in many cases ...
My nieces pet rat7/21/2011
  Q: Ok so here's the situation. My niece has a pet rat. Female about, two years old. She suddenly became ...
  A: Sorry for the delay. I had some kind of ugly flu bug and kept trying to keep up with helping ...
Female rat suddenly died while nursing her babies7/21/2011
  Q: I bought a female Himalayan rat and she mustve already been pregnant when I bought her. She had 8 ...
  A: Oh that is just awful. I cant understand why the babies died as well as the mother and all at the ...
Co-ed older rats7/20/2011
  Q: Todd, My wife and I had a litter of rats just about 3 years ago. Only 2 are left, a brother and ...
  A: No do not let them near each other unless you want a litter of rats and not to mention that having a ...
distal part of the tail has changed colour after injury7/20/2011
  Q: after cat tried to snatch my pet albino who is 1 month, there was a cut in the tail which ...
  A: This part of the tail is now necrotic. Chances are it will end up drying up and falling off, but a ...
painting cages7/20/2011
  Q: I take in homeless rats and mice, have 2 adorable female rats, would like to put them into my large ...
  A: In general, look for paints which: - do not contain lead, zinc or chromate - are "high adhesion", ...
When to say goodbye?7/18/2011
  Q: My rat Ebony is 2 years and 8 months old (approximately). I adopted Ebony and her sister Ivory from ...
  A: I live in Charlotte NC. There are some awesome vets in our state, esp up in the Raleigh area. My ...
Cyst on rat!7/18/2011
  Q: hairless male rat that has a grape-sized mass on his belly. This is the second time this has ...
  A: Yes you can take care of an abscess yourself and save yourself alot of money! Hairless rats are very ...
swollen eye and tilted head7/17/2011
  Q: i have got 4 female rats and when i was getting them out for cuddles this morning I noticed that one ...
  A: Sounds like an inner ear infection. Your little one needs to see a vet and needs medication to ...
friends hairless rat grows tree bark7/17/2011
  Q: 1 yr old hairless rat, he has had a few rats before but this is his first hairless. Today when I ...
  A: I would need to see a photo but this sounds like either an infection or cancerous lesions. Also ...
Ziggy post-surgery7/17/2011
  Q: I had to start a new question. It's actually just a followup to your latest email to me to give you ...
  A: Got it!! Yes I want the story if you want to write it how it started etc....so I can add the story ...
Rat is not herself7/16/2011
  Q: My Rat Trixy is not acting herself? I first noticed this Friday around 6:00pm. It's hard to explain ...
  A: I cant tell you what sickness she has without seeing her. It could be pneumonia. Its impossible for ...
Getting 2 adopted rats tomorrow, need advice ASAP7/16/2011
  Q: I'm taking in 2 brother rats tomorrow under 1 yr. old. What kind of eating/behaviour issues would I ...
  A: You sound like you have it together so I dont think I have to ask if you need names of a vet ...
Getting 2 adopted rats tomorrow, need advice ASAP7/15/2011
  Q: I'm taking in 2 brother rats tomorrow under 1 yr. old. What kind of eating/behaviour issues would I ...
  A: I would not put the two rats your getting with other rats. For starters, you dont know anything ...
Introduction7/14/2011
  Q: I have an adult female rat, Squeak, who is about 2 years old. She was a rescued rat (not wild type, ...
  A: Truthfully? Squeak needs to just be happy solo. You are risking the younger rat by putting her in ...
Wrestling Rats7/14/2011
  Q: I am a pre-kindergarten teacher. I have two male hairless rats Dobby and Scabbers as class pets. We ...
  A: How old are the rats? Depending on where you purchased them from, if it was a petstore, you never ...
Back End Paralysis7/13/2011
  Q: I have a couple questions about caring for my rat Irwin who has back end paralysis but first I'll ...
  A: I know of Dr.Jackson, and although she is not a certified small exotic companion mammal Veterinarian ...
shy rats7/13/2011
  Q: ive had a male rat before ans he was just the most loving thing ever. i let my rats settle in for 1 ...
  A: check out my website, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the page on how to train shy or biting ...
Overgrown Teeth7/12/2011
  Q: My Dumbo Rat, Darkwing, is atleast 3 years and 8 months old. Earlier this year, one of his bottom ...
  A: Well he isnt eating solids, which isnt good, and the abnormal growth will misalign the rest of his ...
Advice on Old Rats and Possible Signs of Death7/12/2011
  Q: I understand you won't be able to save my rat's life--only I can do that. I would like some advice ...
  A: Sweet old rats....I have such a soft spot for them. I have had many "Charlies" in my life, some ...
rat7/12/2011
  Q: I took my pet rat "Snow" to the vet last month and she just had a sore on her rear foot. They said ...
  A: You need a NEW VET. What a JERK that vet is, from start to finish. GLAUCOMA! Sheesh!!! DO NOT ...
Swelling & Redness after neuter7/11/2011
  Q: I am back and asking again. First, thank for referring me to the exotic vet in Vacaville,Ca. ...
  A: This may be an abscess and absolutely requires medical attention pronto! Its not unheard of for this ...
I want to give my wild rat a friend7/10/2011
  Q: I love your site! Great info and love! I run an organic farm in Ontario. Mice and rats are a serious ...
  A: Dont let her go...she is too human imprinted and can be happy with you. I also raised a wild rat ...
HELP!! Ziggy's gone mad!7/9/2011
  Q: You've been helping me with Ziggy's tumor surgery for the last month. So I went to the vet today, ...
  A: She probably lost weight because she couldnt eat good with that ridiculous awful bandage! My story ...
Older female rat help!7/9/2011
  Q: for my daughter. " Minnie mouse" well I think she have had stroke. She's limp on her left backside. ...
  A: I am sorry to hear about her being so bad off. I am hoping for perhaps an answer, and maybe even a ...
HELP!! Ziggy's gone mad!7/8/2011
  Q: You've been helping me with Ziggy's tumor surgery for the last month. So I went to the vet today, ...
  A: No usually the stitches dont hurt unless they are infected. Sorry I missed that. I need to start ...
Pet Rat with dark puss filled scab7/8/2011
  Q: my 1 year old female dumbo rat has a pencil-eraser sized wound on her underside, about one ...
  A: Your spot on with how your taking care of it. It sounds like an abscess for sure. It should start to ...
Rattie ear infection?7/7/2011
  Q: this question is in reference to my wives rat, Lillie. She is 1 1/2yrs old and On Sunday the 10th ...
  A: For starters, the ER vet did right by giving her the steroids and baytril. It may take a few days ...
HELP!! Ziggy's gone mad!7/7/2011
  Q: You've been helping me with Ziggy's tumor surgery for the last month. So I went to the vet today, ...
  A: ITs the bandage that is doing it. I would have it removed and leave it be honestly. I am going to ...
Itsy7/6/2011
  Q: when i got up this morning i noticed there was alot of blood in my rats cage. you could see that the ...
  A: Rats hide pain, but if it were urinary tract, she would NOT bleed vaginally, she would bleed from ...
rat dosage7/5/2011
  Q: I wrote u earlier asking about the dosage for my daughter's pet rat...I have the strength info u ...
  A: Heck I thought this was answered!! For starters, she needs to complete a 30 day schedule of twice ...
Pet rat7/4/2011
  Q: recently he lost the use of his rear feet but still had the use of his legs so he could still kick ...
  A: He is pretty sick. I suspect pneumonia at this point, which explains the fluid from his mouth. This ...
Older female rat help!7/4/2011
  Q: for my daughter. " Minnie mouse" well I think she have had stroke. She's limp on her left backside. ...
  A: I am a bit concerned she may have a pituitary tumor as this is one of the big signs when they cannot ...
Ziggy post-surgery7/3/2011
  Q: I had to start a new question. It's actually just a followup to your latest email to me to give you ...
  A: The photo didnt show:( Also, I just cant wait for this to be over with to be honest. As much as I ...
Ziggy post-surgery6/30/2011
  Q: I had to start a new question. It's actually just a followup to your latest email to me to give you ...
  A: How is she able to eat drink and groom? I would take a good look at that on Saturday....he is ...
Rat's sudden (aggressive) change in behavior6/28/2011
  Q: We have a male rat that is about 7-8 months old, i believe. We have had him for about 3 months. ...
  A: Yes he is either ill or in pain and needs a vet right away. It could be anything, from trouble ...
Future lone rat6/28/2011
  Q: He isn't lone yet and I hope his companion is there for a long time however in the event of one of ...
  A: Truthfully, its difficult to introduce adult males to other males, and if they are young, the adult ...
Female rat bleeding from vagina6/27/2011
  Q: In the past one of my female rats was bleeding from her vagina and was put on anti-biotics which ...
  A: Female number one that had vaginal bleeding that cleared up with medication probably had a uterine ...
Aggressive biting at stitches6/27/2011
  Q: I'd written to you before about Ziggy,our 18 month female who had a mammary tumor under her front ...
  A: Oh no no, not have them put staples in now after all that. However, if she would remove the ...
heart meds6/26/2011
  Q: i have an 18month old doe with heart problems. these problems only started a few weeks ago, she has ...
  A: Your rat has a serious case of cyanosis when she becomes panicked like that and her extremities turn ...
Aggressive biting at stitches6/26/2011
  Q: I'd written to you before about Ziggy,our 18 month female who had a mammary tumor under her front ...
  A: Honestly, there is no real "liability" when it comes to rats. Sad isnt it? There are no laws that ...
Aggressive biting at stitches6/25/2011
  Q: I'd written to you before about Ziggy,our 18 month female who had a mammary tumor under her front ...
  A: Yikes! Sounds like she doesnt like having anything on her body! Your right, there are some special ...
2 Rats... similar "lump" issues6/25/2011
  Q: About 6 months ago we rescued 3 rats that been left in a home that was recently vacated. They ...
  A: Tumors as you may have found, are common in some rats, esp those that are not well bred, although ...
a large lump on my rat): is it a tumor?!?!?6/24/2011
  Q: Today, while giving my rat, Jimmy, a bath, I noticed he had a lump on my lower back/butt area on the ...
  A: It could be a tumor or it could be an abscess. If it doesnt have a scab on it, it is probably a ...
Molly's tilted head...6/23/2011
  Q: We brought home two wonderful "rat girls", Molly and Maisey, in December 2010 when they were ...
  A: I am so sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I did not get a notice you sent me another ...
Dumbo Rat sneezing.6/23/2011
  Q: I have two male dumbo rats, the big one (Gilly, or Gilbertus Albans) has been sneezing lately ...
  A: For starters, I dont recall answering anyone on Yahoo Answers. It may have been another Sandra. ...
Reoccurring tooth abscess in rat6/22/2011
  Q: Sandra, My 19 month old female rat, Sookie, has a tooth abscess on the right side of her face. Our ...
  A: Please let me know how it goes at the Vets. Please see my website, sandyscrittercity.com for info on ...
Molly's tilted head...6/22/2011
  Q: We brought home two wonderful "rat girls", Molly and Maisey, in December 2010 when they were ...
  A: She more than likely had head tilt from an inner ear infection. She needs to see a vet RIGHT AWAY ...
A good vet.....6/21/2011
  Q: On June 6th, I took my 2 rattie girls, littermates, in for removal of mammary tumors. My girl, Penny ...
  A: How far are you willing to drive and can you tell me the name of the vet you took the rat to see ...
Reoccurring tooth abscess in rat6/20/2011
  Q: Sandra, My 19 month old female rat, Sookie, has a tooth abscess on the right side of her face. Our ...
  A: I wouldnt waste my time with any kind of home remedies etc...lke grapeseed extract. there are no ...
whew..... 4 new rats.6/20/2011
  Q: Alright, I will start off by telling you that I am a rat LOVER. I currently have 2 girls and had 2 ...
  A: For starters, where in NC are you? I am also in NC as well (Charlotte area) but remember these rats ...
8 month old female rats6/19/2011
  Q: I have 2 8 month old female rats, i have had them since they were 10 weeks old. The lady that i got ...
  A: I hate to say this but yes, patience is a virtue. Really, it is. These rats were not properly ...
pet rats6/19/2011
  Q: ..any recommendations ? thanks cathy and andy
  A: Yes a vet for an exam. It could be fluid accumulation from anything from heart to respiratory and ...
Rat's Swollen Foot6/18/2011
  Q: My rat has a swollen foot, he won't spread his little toes out, he doesn't stand on it or put any ...
  A: Find another vet. This is a know it all obviously. Chances are they will say its broken or ...
Bone cancer or severe bumblefoot6/17/2011
  Q: Sandra, About 6 months ago one of my rats, Paige, was diagnosed with bone cancer. I brought her to ...
  A: WOW!! That vet is totally NUTS! You rat would have been DEAD and I mean DEAD long ago.....no way ...
8 month old female rats6/16/2011
  Q: I have 2 8 month old female rats, i have had them since they were 10 weeks old. The lady that i got ...
  A: Absolutely. Let yourself be totally accessible to the ratties during playtime. You should be the ...
Rat Health6/15/2011
  Q: I have a pet rat and she is approx 1 yr old. Yesterday she seemed more lethargic than normal and is ...
  A: Its best to get her to a very good vet to start her on a 30 course of baytril given twice a day and ...
base of tail causes flinching6/14/2011
  Q: one of my males is giving me trouble, I've been an owner for 2 years and bred 6 times for a total of ...
  A: I would have the vet check it out for sure. Without checking him myself it is too difficult to say ...
8 month old female rats6/13/2011
  Q: I have 2 8 month old female rats, i have had them since they were 10 weeks old. The lady that i got ...
  A: How long do you keep them out when they come out and what is their play area like? Also, breeding ...
Sick Rat, no 24 hr vet6/12/2011
  Q: First thing is first, I have called all 24 hour vet clinics within a two hour radius and no one will ...
  A: I am so sorry it took long to see this. I never got it till now. However, I am having a feeling he ...
vaginal bleeding in rats6/12/2011
  Q: our beloved female pet rat had some vaginal bleeding tonight. she is very tame and never bites, ...
  A: If she is bleeding vaginally, it is not related to the urinary tract. She would be spotting from ...
Pet rat question6/11/2011
  Q: Hey my rat had an eye infection and now she is blind in that eye. Why does she have a hard time ...
  A: How was the infection treated that it left her blind? If she is blind and your hand feeding her, she ...
Rat's tail is torn6/11/2011
  Q: I'm am writing because my rattie boy Ernie has torn his tail. I wouldn't say it is a complete ...
  A: The vet probably wouldnt do much else unless its much worse then I think and would want to actually ...
My pet rat bites me6/11/2011
  Q: I got a pet rat (from petsmart, which was my first mistake) back in October. When I first got him, ...
  A: They are amazing pets really, but sometimes they are not bred for health or temperment and may be ...
My rat's acting wierd, but not showing common signs of being sick.6/7/2011
  Q: My rat is about 2 years old. She has been acting strange lately and I don't know what to do. She has ...
  A: Actually, she is showing signs of illness just by her actions, which you said are not her normal ...
Rats and Viruses6/6/2011
  Q: One of our beloved rats had to be taken to the vet yesterday. Unfortunately, it was after hours, so ...
  A: Oh for pete sake, that vet is off his rocker. I PROMISE YOU I absolutely PROMISE YOU that your rat, ...
Bitsy6/5/2011
  Q: Im just writing to you to let you know that I had to have Bitsy put to sleep on Wednesday as we ...
  A: I am so sorry for your loss. I know all too well how painful it is to lose your rats. Right now for ...
Thank you6/4/2011
  Q: Sandra, So glad to see you are still answering questions regarding our furry rat friends! You ...
  A: I still answer questions, I just went down to taking a few per day, and so it may say I am MAXED OUT ...
Sudden Aggression6/3/2011
  Q: I have had a sudden problem. I am a major animal person, but this is my first time dealing with ...
  A: You can check out my personal rat site, sandyscrittercity.com for all the reliable info you need ...
Norman6/1/2011
  Q: Norman is 7 months old, and has always been quite a bit smaller than his brother. in the past week ...
  A: This sounds pretty serious. He should see a vet as soon as possible. He is probably dehydrated ...
cna't stop the sneezing5/31/2011
  Q: I rescued Bruce six months ago from a neighbor who's children were ignoring him. He's one of the ...
  A: I really would like to see him on baytril....can you try mixing it with something he likes, even a ...
Lump and Rat5/30/2011
  Q: I have a rat that is just over 1 year old. One week ago she developed a dime size lump on her lower ...
  A: You will probably need to have them removed. Sounds like mammary tumors. Please see my site, ...
Bump on my rats belly5/27/2011
  Q: I just found a bump on my rats belly, it was about a dime size now it's a little bigger. I took hiM ...
  A: An abscess does NOT need removed through surgery unless it is a tumor that had abscessed. The way ...
My pet rat broke his spine5/26/2011
  Q: I have two pet rats. Three days ago they escaped in the garden. Trying to catch them my boyfriend ...
  A: Give him time to heal. If he is eating, trying to groom himself etc... let him live. A rat in pain ...
Introducing rats that shared a tank at the petshop.5/24/2011
  Q: ) I bought a baby rat (6-8 weeks says the pet shop lady) on Saturday and I noticed he rarely came ...
  A: They should be ok but I would let them hang out with you there watching for a few days first before ...
I need a second opinion.5/22/2011
  Q: my names Alysa. I have one year and two month old rat named Little Girl. During January I noticed a ...
  A: This sounds like the tumor has now abscessed. Here is what I found for you as for vets: Here is ...
Rat dead with no warning and few clues5/22/2011
  Q: At the beginning of the year, I had three rats. A couple of weeks ago, I lost my oldest to mammary ...
  A: I am so sorry for your loss. Sounds liked she was in pain, which is why she was eating her litter. ...
My Pet Rat is poorly5/21/2011
  Q: I've had my pet rat Skipper for three years now but the last few days her behaviour is not the same ...
  A: I am sad about your rat. Its hard to say what is wrong but you are right to assume that if she is ...
I need a second opinion.5/19/2011
  Q: my names Alysa. I have one year and two month old rat named Little Girl. During January I noticed a ...
  A: It is a mammary tumor indeed. Check my site, sandyscrittercity.com for info on them too. let me ...
large mass under arm5/18/2011
  Q: I have a 1 1/2 -2 yr old dumbo rat named splinter, he is a very large boy. Friday I was holding him ...
  A: If it is attached and hard, it MAY be an abscess. Is there a scab on it or a hole or any pitting? ...
Thank you5/17/2011
  Q: Sandra, So glad to see you are still answering questions regarding our furry rat friends! You ...
  A: I find it sometimes pretty discouraging doing what I do on here especially when rats die despite my ...
dumbo or top eared rats5/16/2011
  Q: i am thinking of getting 2 male rats that are not from the same litter. one is a dumbo which i have ...
  A: The placement of their ears has absolutely no bearing on their temperament. However, its best to ...
Wasp or bee stings4/28/2011
  Q: Now the weather's warm we've had the odd wasp and bee in the house. I've immediately panicked having ...
  A: Honestly, I never addressed the issue about bee stings because they are not really that common. ...
One of my rats are somewhat smaller than the rest.4/24/2011
  Q: I bought 3 female rats 1 albino and two hooded ones. My one rat Elouisa is a hooded little bit ...
  A: Keep food out at all times, for starters. Rats do not over eat and if food is always available, they ...
A lump!!4/23/2011
  Q: We just discovered a small very soft lump on our girl rat Ziggy yesterday!! She is 15 months old ...
  A: Oh....sorry. I must have overlooked this one. Westminster may be an hour drive, but it is my first ...
A lump!!4/23/2011
  Q: We just discovered a small very soft lump on our girl rat Ziggy yesterday!! She is 15 months old ...
  A: An abscess would have opened up by now. It would have a scab on it or form a crater and start to ...
rats with myco4/22/2011
  Q: so i have 3 male rats that appear to be having what i think is known as a myco flare up. tamaki and ...
  A: No I dont want you to put them down, either, unless they are gasping, panting, freaking out ...
Rat bedding4/21/2011
  Q: I recently got two rats and am using the bedding I was given by the pet shop as part of the package. ...
  A: Check out my website, sandyscrittercity.com for info on litter box training and also proper litter. ...
Male rat bitten by female rat4/20/2011
  Q: I have 2 adult rats, 1 male and 1 female. I have had the female for 6 months, and was finally able ...
  A: First of all, is one of them fixed (spayed or neutered?) If so, thats a good start. Did you allow ...
1 year old Aramis4/19/2011
  Q: A while back I wrote to you about one of my rats Aramis. He was rolling along with having a head ...
  A: I am so sorry about your rat being so ill. The truth is, your rat indeed can have both a pituitary ...
A lump!!4/19/2011
  Q: We just discovered a small very soft lump on our girl rat Ziggy yesterday!! She is 15 months old ...
  A: Have it removed, by all means. It sounds like a mammary tumor and the good news is it is NOT ...
rats with myco4/18/2011
  Q: so i have 3 male rats that appear to be having what i think is known as a myco flare up. tamaki and ...
  A: What you need for your rats is a better vet. They can take baytril ORALLY and should never ever ...
Pet Rat with Lymphomas?4/17/2011
  Q: My pet rat is showing the common signs of an inner ear infection and URI. She has the head tilt, she ...
  A: I am very sorry that your rat is sick. I need to ask though, is she able to use her front paws to ...
burns4/16/2011
  Q: i was really hoping you could help me as my rat recently took a nasty fall into some hot water ...
  A: She really needs to see a vet for this since the only good medications for rats is by prescription ...
Administering oral medication4/8/2011
  Q: I am very sorry to bother you, but feel as though I am getting to the end of my resources. I have a ...
  A: Sounds as though she is doing well. If her infection was in the bone, which it could have been, it ...
Do you have any advise for a mouse?4/8/2011
  Q: I know mice and rats are two separate animals, but I have searched and searched for information and ...
  A: I have had mice as pets and have had them on antibiotics but I dont feel safe telling you to give ...
Norway Azithromycin mix - vs - doseage4/7/2011
  Q: First off I would like to say a massive, extremely well deserved THANK YOU for taking the time to ...
  A: Figures the vet is 400 miles away. Just our luck huh?!! As for going to the baytril after the ...
Advice on huge seroma4/6/2011
  Q: My female ratty Shelby had a mammary tumor removal surgery 3.5 weeks ago. She developed a seroma a ...
  A: The sutures can be the cause of this yes if she is allergic to them. all rats are different, so ...
Advice on huge seroma4/6/2011
  Q: My female ratty Shelby had a mammary tumor removal surgery 3.5 weeks ago. She developed a seroma a ...
  A: yikes! I was just going to ask about the vet and his credentials but if your sure of his knowledge ...
Sick rat from fan?4/5/2011
  Q: I've slept with my fan on recently at nighttime and now I noticed my rat making noises while i hold ...
  A: No the fan wont hurt the rat or cause illness. What kind of noises do you hear? Does it sound like ...
My rat needs help4/5/2011
  Q: Hey my rat Connie recently got a lump on her right leg but it isnt on the leg exactly its inbetween ...
  A: The good news is most of the time its not cancer. Honestly it may even be an abscess. Please go to ...
Administering oral medication4/1/2011
  Q: I am very sorry to bother you, but feel as though I am getting to the end of my resources. I have a ...
  A: No bother at all to ask me questions. I am happy to help. I would stop the metacam if the foot is ...
Rats3/31/2011
  Q: I'm sure your very busy and i really appreciate your time as my girls, yayo and bizzy are pretty ill ...
  A: I am totally appalled by the poor treatment your rats are getting from the vet. It sounds like your ...
Problem w/ back feet on female dumbo rat3/30/2011
  Q: I am looking for some advice regarding my 3 year old female dumbo rat, Fizzbee. For the past few ...
  A: I dont hide the fact they are rats....and if people are that dumb to think a rat is a ...
Problem w/ back feet on female dumbo rat3/30/2011
  Q: I am looking for some advice regarding my 3 year old female dumbo rat, Fizzbee. For the past few ...
  A: She sure lived a nice long life, good job to you! May I ask if I can add her photo to my website? I ...
Problem w/ back feet on female dumbo rat3/29/2011
  Q: I am looking for some advice regarding my 3 year old female dumbo rat, Fizzbee. For the past few ...
  A: Sounds like she has hind leg paralysis which is very common in rats her age. Let me ask, is her tail ...
swollen face then death??3/25/2011
  Q: my daughter had 3 rats 1 male, and 2 females.. we had 2 others but they both died suddenly within ...
  A: oh my that is terrible. It is so hard to say what it could be....it may have been from a virus ...
A hyper and a nervous rat (females)3/18/2011
  Q: ) I recently bought a pair of female rats at my local pet store, I've had them for 3 days and now I ...
  A: Please read my site, sandyscrittercity.com and read all you need to know about rats including the ...
ear infection and lots of pus3/15/2011
  Q: Exactly one week ago our pet rat suddenly started having trouble walking. He was wobbly on one side ...
  A: Hmm.....can he use his front paws to grasp food and objects? This may be a pituitary tumor, sadly. ...
rats3/15/2011
  Q: my female rat has a lump on her right side its a little above her back leg it wasnt there before it ...
  A: Sounds like a mammary tumor. Do not worry though, as they can be easily removed by a qualified vet ...
ticks or mites?3/15/2011
  Q: i have recently noticed bugs on my pet rat rascal. he is two and a half years old and lives in his ...
  A: Sounds like mites. Ticks burrow under the skin. You need to get some revolution or ivermectin from ...
my rat has epilesy3/14/2011
  Q: i have emailed you before about my rats, but recently(about a month ago) my rat started to have like ...
  A: I am not a former rat owner, I still continue to keep rats as pets as well as work to counsel rat ...
stubborn little rats3/13/2011
  Q: I found out quite early that Katee food is horrible for them due to the ingredients so right away I ...
  A: Rats do like variety. Please check my website for info on making their own healthy rat kibble. Most ...
sick rat with dripping foamy saliva3/12/2011
  Q: I have 2 rats, Kala and Venus. They're sisters, about 6-7 months old. Venus is usually very ...
  A: I am hoping that she is OK now....let me know. Sounds like she had something caught in her throat ...
Zymbal Gland Tumour3/11/2011
  Q: I have read as much as I can from your previous answers and also on your website regarding this ...
  A: If this is what she has, it is not operable, which is the big mistake vets make. Pain medications, ...
Can a rat still have a good life with a paralyzed foreleg?3/11/2011
  Q: Today I took my rat, Crass, to see the vet about a lump in her armpit. after feeling the lump for ...
  A: I would find another vet to be honest. This is a very common place for tumors to grow and surgery ...
ear infection and lots of pus3/10/2011
  Q: Exactly one week ago our pet rat suddenly started having trouble walking. He was wobbly on one side ...
  A: Sounds like things are doing better. Baytril is a very strong drug and should do the trick. The ...
Possible Molar abscess??3/9/2011
  Q: I have a female dumbo rat, she is two and a half and is very lively, recently I noticed a lump on ...
  A: Is it opened up? Please refer to my website, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the page on zymbals ...
ear infection and lots of pus3/7/2011
  Q: Exactly one week ago our pet rat suddenly started having trouble walking. He was wobbly on one side ...
  A: Sounds more like the rat has otitis media, or rather, an inner-middle ear infection rather than ...
I worry that my pet rat has fallen ill.3/7/2011
  Q: My pet rat Lucy is about 9 months old, female. She lives with her mother in the same cage. ...
  A: She is in pain. She needs to see a vet right away and a vet that knows how to treat rats. Please ...
my new rat is coughing/squeaking?3/6/2011
  Q: We just bought a male rat from a petstore... I know not ideal. He is about 3months old and since we ...
  A: Sounds like Myco already. I would refrain from going back to the petco. They will only want to ...
rat3/5/2011
  Q: my pet rat back legs are very weak vet said he cant do anything for him help
  A: How old is your rat? Please check out my site, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the page on care ...
Possible Zymbals Gland Tumour3/3/2011
  Q: I hope you can help me. We have an 18 month old male rat who developed a lump on the side of his ...
  A: I would never ever consider putting the rat down until he is ready...not eating is a sign they are ...
My Dumbo Rat, Oliver3/2/2011
  Q: Hey there, I'm pretty sure my adult male (a pensioner really, he's an old man) Dumbo Rat, Oliver, ...
  A: Please do me a favor and check out my site, sandyscrittercity.com. Refer to the page on rat ...
head tilt and rolling2/27/2011
  Q: My rat Aramis (1 year old) was put on antibiotics about 2 weeks ago for sneezing and having ...
  A: Metacam can be very dangerous for rats, esp long term use. It is actually MORE dangerous for rats ...
berievment2/26/2011
  Q: ..First thank you for your site.You have been a great help over the past exhusting and worrying ...
  A: I am so sorry for your loss. I would NOT change anything...if your rat was going to catch anything ...
lump on pet rats face2/26/2011
  Q: My pet rat is almost two years old and about a week ago developed a lump under his ear. I looked at ...
  A: It may be a tumor of the zymbals gland but it can also be an abscess. Sometimes it can even be ...
Young rats with pneumonia2/25/2011
  Q: first off I just wanna say how helpful and wonderful the info is that you and the other experts from ...
  A: Sounds like the vet needs a bit of education. To suggest it takes 21 days for infection to respond ...
head tilt and rolling2/24/2011
  Q: My rat Aramis (1 year old) was put on antibiotics about 2 weeks ago for sneezing and having ...
  A: What is the weight of the rat and the dose of the medication? He should respond pretty fast to the ...
Mammary Tumor2/14/2011
  Q: My pet rat Sierra is just over 2 years old and has a mammary tumor on her right shoulder. Given her ...
  A: Check out my site, sandscrittercity.com and refer to the page on mammary tumors found in the section ...
Fat rat2/13/2011
  Q: We have 2 female rats who we got from the same litter and are 1 year old. About 6 months ago, we ...
  A: They are getting fat from probably the seeds, which are also pretty high in protein. Pepsi is fat, ...
Lump2/13/2011
  Q: I have a young male rat. Hes white and has a black stripe down his back. I had him out the other day ...
  A: Yep, proably a mammary tumor. I just found one on my gray rat and a second rat has one on his ...
Fat rat2/12/2011
  Q: We have 2 female rats who we got from the same litter and are 1 year old. About 6 months ago, we ...
  A: Hmmm.....you and I both have fattie ratties. As cute as they are and some people even love having ...
Stashing Food in "wrong" places2/12/2011
  Q: Our 2 female rats are about 1 year old. They each have their own, what we call, "poopy corner" in ...
  A: Nope, its ok, dont worry. As gross as this sounds, animals eat their own stool. How about that for ...
Rat respiratory illness2/7/2011
  Q: I recently took my son's pet rat (whom he LOVES dearly) to an exotic pet vet when he started to ...
  A: Your vet needs to put the rat on baytril for the rest of the rats life or he will end up doing this ...
To friend or not to friend...that is the question2/5/2011
  Q: We recently purchased a hairless rat - and want to get her a friend. She is 10 weeks old..and the ...
  A: Yes, a friend would be fine. Pet store employees are not trained properly to know about most of the ...
Female rats acting weird2/5/2011
  Q: Hey there, I have two beautiful female rats, they are five months old. I litter trained both girls ...
  A: I really truly wish I had an answer....but rats are strange sometimes and do things without any real ...
the lump on the lip of my rat2/4/2011
  Q: my rat is about two years old. I recently notice a big lump is growing in her mouth on the lower lip ...
  A: No I would not suggest having the vet put her to sleep since she has not even been given the chance ...
Why Max died...2/3/2011
  Q: I was wondering if you might be able to help me figure out why my pet rat passed away. I'm sure it ...
  A: I am so sorry for your loss. DO NOT beat yourself up over this....sadly these things happen, often ...
Female Rat, pale yellow discharge2/2/2011
  Q: I have a female rat between 2 and 2.5 years old. A couple nights ago, I noticed some bleeding under ...
  A: Aww....I am sorry to hear this. It sounds as if things are starting to go down hill a bit...I am a ...
swollen foot2/1/2011
  Q: I have a problem with my pet rats. One month ago Fit, a male rat(one year old) had a swollen foot. ...
  A: When rats urinate on the floor of the cage, they may have tiny cuts in their feet. When they are ...
swollen foot1/31/2011
  Q: I have a problem with my pet rats. One month ago Fit, a male rat(one year old) had a swollen foot. ...
  A: Your vet is wrong. IT IS pododermatitis and it is seriously misdiagnosed by vets because they just ...
Really bad rat sores1/29/2011
  Q: My year old male rat has mystery scratches that have progressivly gotten worse. Hi8s brother who ...
  A: It may be a skin infection which is commonly seen in older rats and rats that are a bit more ...
introducing rats1/28/2011
  Q: i have 2 albino rats who are just over a year old. Both quite blind - betsy in particular sways her ...
  A: For starters, just because your rat sways her head absolutely in no way implies she is blind. Please ...
degu pregnancy1/27/2011
  Q: i got 2 degus last month but when they got to my house there was 4. turns out they mated and had ...
  A: Found this info for you here: Hope it helps! Degus require community environments. ...
Uber-Destructive rats!1/17/2011
  Q: I currently have 4 very lively females of around 6 or 7 months. I've had rats for several years but ...
  A: I know this is a bad situation for you but I did crack up reading this. Like they say boys will be ...
Sneezing slowed/almost stopped, then came back (not as often but has not stopped completely)1/17/2011
  Q: Date: Friday, January 7, 2011, 8:56 PM Please tell me what to do next.   Berkley, my 7-8 week old ...
  A: Its hard to say if its myco but he should NOT be on baytril at this age. He should be on zithromax. ...
Saving Kesha1/17/2011
  Q: i Have a dumbo rat, beige coat black eyes and adorable ears. She used to be really energetic and ...
  A: Your little one will stop eating, drinking or caring about life in general. She will become ...
tumors and aging rats1/17/2011
  Q: I have two rats with very large tumors. Would you undergo surgery with these rats, euthanize, or ...
  A: I would let them be, but not euthanize them unless they have no quality of life. Its a tough ...
Introducing a pet rat to 2 domestic cats1/13/2011
  Q: I'm a big animal lover and I fell in love with a fancy female rat. I have 2 cats (indoors only), boy ...
  A: Unless the rats and cats were raised together, forget it. You MUST keep them apart. Its natural ...
azithromycin1/12/2011
  Q: My rat is on lifetime baytril and azithromycin. he has chronic uris. my question is. they were ...
  A: Unfortunately, once you mix the contents of the capsule, it will expire pretty fast. Suggest the ...
Rat biting cagemate's ear!1/5/2011
  Q: my rat Ziggy has been in a very large cage with 4 other rat (now only 3 - had to have one euthanised ...
  A: Ouch!! That looks nasty! I wish I had an answer for you but I really dont know what to say other ...
Rat bleeding from ear1/3/2011
  Q: I have a male rat, almost 3 years old that has been bleeding thru his ear for a while. His rear legs ...
  A: That stinks you cant own them in your state. In fact I do believe Alaska is the ONLY state that ...
Pine wood shavings?1/3/2011
  Q: I have had my first rat for a week now when yesterday I notice he started to wheeze. When I looked ...
  A: Pine is bad to use for small animals, as is cedar. Apspen is ok, but the safest way is to use ...
Am i worrying too much??1/1/2011
  Q: You have helped me before with your expertise on rats so I'm hoping you can do the same today. :) ...
  A: Amoxi wont help if its myco, and if they are not improving on it its a good idea to stop using it so ...
Rat tumor, do I put her down?12/31/2010
  Q: My rat has a lump above her eye, or rather probably behind the eye. It's messed up her eye, it's ...
  A: Has the vet suggested removing the eye to get to the tumor? I have had a rat have this happen and he ...
The Last Rat :(12/29/2010
  Q: I recently had to put down one of my rats due to a malignant tumor that could not be removed, we did ...
  A: I am sorry to hear about your loss. I have found myself facing the same situation before as far as ...
Medicine too expensive12/23/2010
  Q: I have two Rats that are +4mo old. They started to sneeze alot so I took them to the Vet and he ...
  A: Baby rats under 4 months should avoid baytril, but if the benefits outweigh the risks, it should be ...
OVERDOSE12/23/2010
  Q: my son misread the instructing for his rats medication VIBRAMYCIN, he was suppose to give .22 he ...
  A: Well.....yes and no. Rats have a super fast metabolic rate so they burn through most medications ...
Foods to give a rat struggling with Myco12/22/2010
  Q: You have been a big help to me before with acute pododermatitis. I now have a different problem, ...
  A: Have you read on my website, sandyscrittercity.com about heart and lung disease? Please go check it ...
Foods to give a rat struggling with Myco12/22/2010
  Q: You have been a big help to me before with acute pododermatitis. I now have a different problem, ...
  A: Give her baby food of all flavors. She will get fluids from this too if she isnt drinking. Also, is ...
rat has tumor, losing weight and lethargic12/21/2010
  Q: my little rat dorie has recently developed a tumor (small 9mm by 16mm)which is benign as i spent the ...
  A: I would love to find you a new vet. For starters, you wasted your money having the tumor tested. ...
My rat Delila12/21/2010
  Q: 3 weeks ago my rat developed bleeding from the vulva she was given antibiotics the last one 2 weeks ...
  A: Has she had a test to see if she has an infection of the urinary tract? Has she been spayed? Also, ...
Medicine too expensive12/21/2010
  Q: I have two Rats that are +4mo old. They started to sneeze alot so I took them to the Vet and he ...
  A: Cefa drops wont do a thing for mycoplasmosis, so I hate to tell you that you wasted your money. It ...
Rat Abscess Bleeding12/20/2010
  Q: I had contacted you before about my male rat Oreo, who had an abscess. Like 2 months ago, i took him ...
  A: Clean it for him using saline solution. I am wondering if it isnt either a cyst or possibly a ...
my rat needs proper care12/15/2010
  Q: i have a rat that is pretty old, but she recently started tilting her head and rolling non stop, now ...
  A: Have you read my site, Sandyscrittercity.com? If not, please go to my site and go to the page on rat ...
My Rat needs Help!12/15/2010
  Q: yesterday I found out my three year old rat has beeen bleeding from her vagina. Not gushing, but her ...
  A: Very cute rats, I am so sad for you that you lost one of them. As for the bleeding, yes it could be ...
rats humming12/7/2010
  Q: I read somebody asking you, if rats are humming. You said no. May I convince you that rats use ...
  A: You dont have to convince me a bit. Rats indeed make a noise that indicates happiness and ...
Possible Intestinal Blockage or Colorectal Polyps?12/7/2010
  Q: I asked you a previous question about my rat, but now his brother is ill. The first thing I noticed ...
  A: Sounds like a possible internal tumor. I would find a better Vet to be honest. If it is indeed ...
Cloudy red eye12/5/2010
  Q: eye infection. He seems to have a very cloudy eye even though the other one is clear. I think he ...
  A: There is nothing you can do at home for him. I wish there was. A vet will need to be seen before 2 ...
pituitary tumor and blind eye12/4/2010
  Q: I have a 2 year old female rat that I'm pretty sure has a pituitary tumor. She had problems moving, ...
  A: I am not convinced this is a PT to be honest. The ears may look fine with a regular otoscope. The ...
pituitary tumor and blind eye12/4/2010
  Q: I have a 2 year old female rat that I'm pretty sure has a pituitary tumor. She had problems moving, ...
  A: Can she use her front paws to grasp and hold food? Has she ever been on antibiotics along with the ...
Is Zymbal Gland Tumor only found in rats?12/3/2010
  Q: Can the Zymbal Gland Tumor be found in other pet rodents or does it specifically occur rats only? ...
  A: She is just so precious....awww...thank you for sharing her photo. Zymbals gland tumor or not, this ...
dry skin?12/3/2010
  Q: i have a naked rat(named rufus) he has really bad dry skin i read that you can use olive oil but ...
  A: I will let you know about the breeders...but about the hoarding....this is very common among rats, I ...
Is Zymbal Gland Tumor only found in rats?12/1/2010
  Q: Can the Zymbal Gland Tumor be found in other pet rodents or does it specifically occur rats only? ...
  A: Yes please attach the photo of your litt mouse here on our follow up. It doesnt sound as if she is ...
Ratty breathing very labored12/1/2010
  Q: Sarah is 3y 7 months old . I think my vet is good with ratties and seems very concerned and will try ...
  A: Has the vet thought that this may be heart related rather than related to her lungs? Please refer ...
Strange Neurological Smptoms in young rat- not responding to treatment11/30/2010
  Q: I really hope you can help me- this is kind of a last resort. Basically I have a young rescue boy ...
  A: I am really sorry Jeff isnt responding well to treatment. Upping the dose of valium may help. ...
Can baby rats have heart failure?11/28/2010
  Q: On Monday I found a litter of infant orphan rats who's nest had been torn up. I put them all (4) ...
  A: What a big heart you have....I am the same way...I couldnt leave it behind, either. Sadly though, ...
MegaColon Care?11/28/2010
  Q: I have a 4week old rat, "Dega", that appears to have megacolon. He is high white with a bald face, ...
  A: Poor little guy.....megacolon is tough to have as well as uncomfortable. Here is some good info ...
I think my rat is sick...11/26/2010
  Q: My poor rat hasn't been himself lately. He's always been the fattest of the two, but now he's ...
  A: Has his stool been runny for a while or is it more related to the antibiotics your using? ALso, how ...
Strange Neurological Smptoms in young rat- not responding to treatment11/25/2010
  Q: I really hope you can help me- this is kind of a last resort. Basically I have a young rescue boy ...
  A: SOrry for the delay. I have been super busy with the holidays etc.... Now about your rat. Funny how ...
Old rat? Young rat?11/24/2010
  Q: I got a male rat a month or so ago from our pound. They didn't know how old he is. He seems to be ...
  A: He is cute! Its pretty hard to tell how old they are once they are past a certain stage. Its more ...
Alcohol Content in Medicine?11/23/2010
  Q: After taking my older male rat to the vet today I've come to find out that he has congestive heart ...
  A: This is ok to use, and in fact, should make your rat feel alot better by getting rid of the excess ...
lump on rat face11/23/2010
  Q: My 8 month old male dumbo rat has developed a lump on the side of his face, near his jaw area. I ...
  A: Dilute the peroxide, but you can alternate between that and plain saline solution too. Be sure to ...
lump on rat face11/22/2010
  Q: My 8 month old male dumbo rat has developed a lump on the side of his face, near his jaw area. I ...
  A: Its probably an abscess. I would not use bactine, though, as it is not really broad spectrum enough ...
lump on rat face11/22/2010
  Q: My 8 month old male dumbo rat has developed a lump on the side of his face, near his jaw area. I ...
  A: It sounds like an abscess, and at his age I am hoping thats all that it is. However, there is a very ...
Blood-looking Spots11/21/2010
  Q: My pet rat has what looks like blood on her paws and her private area. She also has red around her ...
  A: sounds like porphyrin discharge. Please refer to my website to learn about this and also, where are ...
Head tilt and personality change.11/21/2010
  Q: My rat, Midnight, has had a recent change in her personality. Though, with a recent onset of ...
  A: I am sorry for all that your little rat has endured. I had a batch of rats with SDA many years ago ...
dead rat11/21/2010
  Q: My daughters friend has domesticated pet rats. Two in one cage. The one rat was found dead in the ...
  A: I am sorry the other rat died. I do want to tell you that you have NO WORRIES at all about any ...
Unaltered postmenopausal female rat with younger unaltered male companion?11/19/2010
  Q: I apologize in advance for the length of this message, I just like to make sure all important ...
  A: The rats are adorable and I also apologize for the delay. With the Holidays fast approaching I have ...
Pet rat losing too much weight....11/19/2010
  Q: I have had five rats in my life and they have lived happy, healthy lives. Except my newest rat ...
  A: Weight loss in older rats is common, but a significant amount of weight loss is not good. It ...
First Rat experience11/19/2010
  Q: Despite his two large bells, my cat regularly brings me live catches which i try to save. A week ...
  A: First of all, thats great that the rat lived. Its very hard to keep a baby rat alive when they are ...
Rat fur mites11/18/2010
  Q: I have a two year old pet rat that I suspect has fur mites. Given pictures and descriptions I've ...
  A: You must be reading to use the horse worming paste that contains traces of ivermectin if its the ...
Rat noise in throat11/18/2010
  Q: I have a female rat who is approximately 21 months old. Overall, her health has always been good. ...
  A: Sounds like your on the right track with what your doing. However, it does sound like she has myco, ...
Female Rats Unsocial11/18/2010
  Q: I have 5 rats currently, two males (around three months old) who are such loving creatures and ...
  A: Eventually as time goes on, the girls will start to come around, esp as they age. Female rats are ...
Two Rats- can one live alone?11/18/2010
  Q: We have two sweet female rats. Our sweet Sophie has a large fast growing tumor and I feel does not ...
  A: I am very sorry your Sophie has a fast growing tumor. I am going to assume she is 3 years old which ...
re-occuring inner ear infection??11/15/2010
  Q: Two months ago, Aspen quickly developed the symptoms of an inner ear infection: wobbly, tilted head, ...
  A: It does sound like an ear infection since it responds to antibiotics, but there is a condition that ...
Willy11/13/2010
  Q: I'm very upset because I asked a question about my pet rat a few days ago and I haven't got an ...
  A: Your rats symptoms were indicating that he may have been having distress. When people like you ...
rat tumors and coriolus11/13/2010
  Q: I am reading conflicting opinions of the mushroom extract that some say will shrink existing tumors ...
  A: I wish I had a better answer for you, but I have no faith in anything like this at all. I am mainly ...
black skin11/12/2010
  Q: i have a male jumbo rat.... hes just a little over 3 years old... his skin as just recently started ...
  A: Thats an odd one. Often the areas that are darker on rats is the pigments of the skin and the fur ...
help!11/11/2010
  Q: I have wild rats that I believe are living outside under a shed, and they are now coming in the ...
  A: ACK! I hate hearing this. LOL! I am like you, I cant hurt them, no animal actually of course, ...
Elderly Rat11/10/2010
  Q: Hm, so my rat is rounding about the age of three now. In only the past three weeks have I noticed ...
  A: I am sorry to hear that your little old girl is not doing well. it sounds like she has either had a ...
Zymbal Gland Tumor11/10/2010
  Q: My pet rat Midnight is over 2 years old and I think he has a zymbal gland tumor. About a month ago I ...
  A: If your rat has zymbals gland tumor and this vet keeps lancing it, your putting him through ...
My male rat...please help me!11/10/2010
  Q: He is moving in circles, eyes are watering and he is drooling. He doesn't seem to have balance and ...
  A: He has one of two possible conditions: Inner ear infection or pituitary tumor. Please check it out ...
rat health - need a good rat vet11/10/2010
  Q: I read your answer to a question about a rat vomiting. One of our rats just started throwing up a ...
  A: Rats physically cannot vomit. It is impossible. There are a few reasons for this discharge your ...
scratches from pet fancy rat11/10/2010
  Q: I really appreciate you taking time to read this. We recently bought 2 female rats for our children. ...
  A: Save your money, honestly. This is a very common allergic reaction. Reaction to rat scratches are ...
Baffled as to sudden anxiety11/9/2010
  Q: we have five female rats that usually get along pretty well. Earlier Pandora just went into panic ...
  A: She needs a vet right away. Chances are she could have been choking on something and if she is ...
Response to my hairless 'Nakkie' who lost balance (inquiry from last week)11/8/2010
  Q: Hey Sandra... I appreciate you asking me to get back to you regarding finding a vet. I am actually ...
  A: I think she has a pituitary tumor to be honest. Sometimes the signs are not classic textbook and the ...
pneumonia, weren't sure, did IC Furosemide too11/6/2010
  Q: I feel a fool for sending this to a stranger. But it's been 9 days. He's about 2, Petco saved, ...
  A: Dont feel foolish for asking questions to strangers. This is why I am here....to help rat owners. ...
Relieving Congestion11/5/2010
  Q: I have three ~1.5 yr-old male rats who all have chronic myco. They had the infection when I got them ...
  A: Myco is a real bugger, and if it has caused permanent damage like it seems to do when it is not ...
back foot injury11/5/2010
  Q: Hey there, My rat is 7mos old and she was playing on the couch with us and her sister and about ...
  A: Chances are the rat is feeling better, but if not, let me know. I have been sick with the flu and ...
Rat lip injury; separating from lower teeth11/5/2010
  Q: I just noticed that my rat's lower lip seems to be pulled down a bit, so that there is a separation ...
  A: Feed her baby foods, soft scrambled eggs, and yes, she needs her teeth clipped back. She probably ...
porphyrin around my rat's eye11/4/2010
  Q: My pet rat broke his leg this past summer (his thigh, it broke below the hip and above the knee.) I ...
  A: Porphyrin is produced by a large gland located behind the rats eyes called the harderian gland. ...
Possible blindness, Possible problem with lungs and serious respiratory infection.11/3/2010
  Q: I have three male rats, I got them all from a pet shop and two are from the same litter and one is ...
  A: Your boys are adorable! Thank you for sharing their photo! Lets star with the rat that may have ...
Abscess on rats face11/2/2010
  Q: My rat is 2.5 years old and had a nasty ear infection. I got him antibiotics, but an abcess formed ...
  A: It sounds to me like your rat has zymbals gland tumor, which is NOT an abscess, but a cancerous ...
following up on an inquery i just sent (regarding my hairless losing balance)11/1/2010
  Q: Sandra, I wrote you earlier regarding my hairless rat, Nakkie, who has been having difficulty ...
  A: It could be an inner ear infection but with her being on meds, it should have cleared it up. Its so ...
Rat10/30/2010
  Q: I aquired two small rats about 8 days ago. Im not sure of their age, unfortunetly i forgot to ask ...
  A: For starters, please let me give you my website, sandyscrittercity.com. Please refer to it and go to ...
My female rat doesent gain weight10/30/2010
  Q: I have 2 rats. One male, hes about 12 weeks old and hes very friendly, happy, and is good and ...
  A: I am hoping you dont have the two rats together, because if you do, she will be pregnant before you ...
My rat died and I cannot be at peace until I know the real reason.10/29/2010
  Q: About a week and a half ago my rat Peanut died. She had been showing signs that she was sick ...
  A: I am so sorry for your loss. I am not sure what I can do to help other than tell you what may have ...
rat lymphoma10/27/2010
  Q: my girl rat age18 months has not been well for the last 3 wks i took her to the vet exotic ...
  A: Your rat has chronic respiratory infection and the problem is, your vet is not treating your rat ...
question about wild rodent germs10/27/2010
  Q: I know you specialize in Rats, but I saw a post awhile back of yours where you were saying that wild ...
  A: I am glad to hear you do take medication (I figured you did!) I have been sitting here for a few ...
agressive rat and rescue remedy10/27/2010
  Q: i would like to know if you approve of rescue remedy or petalive aggression formula for a aggressive ...
  A: Spaying will do nothing to help with aggression in a female rat. This is only to help male rats ...
question about wild rodent germs10/27/2010
  Q: I know you specialize in Rats, but I saw a post awhile back of yours where you were saying that wild ...
  A: I am glad I helped. I do understand about OCD because I know someone that has it. Actually, I think ...
layla is acting insane10/26/2010
  Q: my rat Layla is about 3 years old. She has had 3 tumors removed and has been on Baytril a couple of ...
  A: It appears she has lost her vision in that eye. What I am worried about is her panic mode. This ...
Ulcer on rats lip due to injury.10/26/2010
  Q: We don't know if he bit it or if he bit something and cut it, but it was bleeding quite a bit. We ...
  A: Have you checked the rats teeth to be sure they are aligned properly and not cutting into his mouth? ...
Bumblefoot10/25/2010
  Q: My Rat Caesar had a swollen foot when I got him and they told me that he had arthritis. I took him ...
  A: Some vets will accept outside help and if she doesnt respect the fact you have taken it upon ...
question about wild rodent germs10/25/2010
  Q: I know you specialize in Rats, but I saw a post awhile back of yours where you were saying that wild ...
  A: I wish I could be totally positive about this and the only real way to know is to have the feces ...
Bumblefoot10/24/2010
  Q: I'm pretty sure my dumbo rat Zoey has the bumblefoot disease. She has a large red bump on her foot, ...
  A: Vets cant always help with bumblefoot to be honest. Its all about keeping the cage super clean, and ...
Cuts on hairless rats.10/24/2010
  Q: So the story is that I have 2 hairless rats which have shared a cage now for about 8 months. Today ...
  A: I worry about infection....dont listen to anyone that works at a Petstore chain. If its that deep, ...
Questions - rats10/22/2010
  Q: I have a question about my rat, Phineas. She has been sounding congested. I can tell that it is ...
  A: First of all, sleeping on the back is fine, my one rat, Jackson, does it all the time, fat belly up! ...
hi miss sandra,10/21/2010
  Q: my sisters and i have a rat and she got away in the house for 3 days. her name is bijou. we got her ...
  A: She is probably pregnant....the good news is, she may have a small litter. Keep her in a nice clean ...
twitching rat10/20/2010
  Q: Three days ago I brought home a small feeder rat from my work to keep as a pet. She is the generic, ...
  A: Rats do what we refer to as "popcorning" and they also get hiccups alot, too. The also brux which ...
my rat10/18/2010
  Q: Sandra Todd I bought my rat about 3 or 4 days ago it is kind of small, it was a new one there I got ...
  A: Your rat has not been properly socialized and is very scared of you. You need to read up on how to ...
Sick rat, no energy, blue testicles10/17/2010
  Q: Wondered if you can assist. I have three rats and arrived home from work last night to find one very ...
  A: The blue testicles indicate lack of oxygen. This rat needs a vet that has a clue. Cyanosis can ...
My pet rat10/17/2010
  Q: I have a Dumbo Rat named Louise. I'm unsure of her age, but I'm guessing she is around two years ...
  A: There are many rats that never use a wheel for nothing more than flipping it on its side and making ...
rat's eye turned white10/16/2010
  Q: My hairless rat's eye turned completely white and is bulging out. It wasn't like that yesterday. ...
  A: I am glad she is on the mend!! My boy did great and you would never have known he was missing an ...
rat illness, possible meningitis?10/16/2010
  Q: I have an ill pet ratty on my hands.. I read about meningitis in rats, and I'm terribly worried that ...
  A: I am very sorry for your loss. To be honest, it still sounds like he had a pituitary tumor though. ...
Rat Vet in Rapid City or Sturgis SD10/16/2010
  Q: I am looking for a good rat vet in Rapid City, South Dakota or Sturgis, South Dakota. Do you have ...
  A: First choice: Canyon lake Vets 605 348-6510 http://www.canyonlakevet.com/exotic_pet.htm Second ...
My rat Lola10/15/2010
  Q: My Lola is pregnant and 4 days ago she started bleeding, but has not had any babies yet. She is ...
  A: She needs a vet pronto. A litter usually consist of 12 babies (average) but some litters are small, ...
rat illness, possible meningitis?10/15/2010
  Q: I have an ill pet ratty on my hands.. I read about meningitis in rats, and I'm terribly worried that ...
  A: It doesnt sound like meningitis to be honest. As a matter of fact, if it were, he would have been ...
rat's eye turned white10/14/2010
  Q: My hairless rat's eye turned completely white and is bulging out. It wasn't like that yesterday. ...
  A: She has a nasty infection. It can be treated by a vet but the longer you wait, the infection may ...
Rats causing child to be sick10/10/2010
  Q: My 14 yr old daughter has had diarreha for 3 wks now and they tested her for e coli, c diff. They ...
  A: I am sorry your daughter is sick....but I can pretty much assure you that your rat is not causing ...
Breeding for coloration10/8/2010
  Q: I am looking to breed rats. For quality, health and also for color... my questions are: Is it ...
  A: Oh....Janell isnt here any longer? I havent checked in a while....here is her website URL below and ...
Rat Diarrhea Issue10/8/2010
  Q: My dumbo rat, Lixa, is about 1 year 10 months old. We recently moved from Pennsylvania to Las Vegas, ...
  A: Mom is right...try giving him puffed rice and oatmeal flakes. Also, I would say that the flagyl is ...
my pet rat-Sugar10/7/2010
  Q: My fiance and I bought Sugar about a year ago from a local pet store in a small town. Now I notcied ...
  A: Her 4th litter? I suggest she keep away from males from now on. Next time she may not be so lucky. ...
moody rat?10/5/2010
  Q: i have a 18month old female rat who lost her sister a week ago, we had her put to sleep following a ...
  A: Try putting newspaper down followed by plastic needlepoint tiles. This will keep the rat from ...
incision opening, possible seroma drained itself10/5/2010
  Q: I have two rats and one of them had a tumor removed last week. She seemed to be healing well, then ...
  A: Leave it open. It will drain and heal on its own if its just a seroma. You can check out my site, ...
Treatment for chronic myco10/4/2010
  Q: My baby Dom is 2 yr 2 mos. This summer he started showing the signs of respiratory infection [head ...
  A: You either need to change vets and find one that has the proper education when it comes to treating ...
My boys...10/4/2010
  Q: Hey Sandra, my question is split up into parts. First, I have had pet rats for ten years. I ...
  A: I wouldnt down size it now, no. They are used to the extra room and this will only add stress. Rats ...
Scared pet rats10/4/2010
  Q: I have 2 female rats. I got them about 2 months ago when they were approx 6 weeks old. I treat them ...
  A: Never force them (you must have read Debbie D's info!) this is a good way to really scare them from ...
My babies bleeding:(10/3/2010
  Q: Ok, so 16 days ago i got two rats as a present from my uncle. They were so small that i could fit ...
  A: Rats can get pregnant very very young. I would not really wait to see if there is a pregnancy, I ...
prophylactic dose10/1/2010
  Q: First,I wanted to say thanks for replying to my question about prophylactic treatment for my rat ...
  A: I would only switch to zithromax if baytril isnt working. There are only a handful of drugs that ...
Rat abscess10/1/2010
  Q: I am hoping that you can help me. My pet rat, Martin, had/has an abscess on his side near the groin ...
  A: You need a new vet pronto. I have seen this happen so much my head spins. Your rat has a mammary ...
Jacob(Russian Dumbo)10/1/2010
  Q: vet has prescribed Baytril + Onsior on intial visit then Baytril oral; a week has passed and Jacob ...
  A: The rule of thumb is to allow an antibiotic to work for three days, and if there is no change in ...
A Veterinarians Integrity at question....9/30/2010
  Q: I have a hairless rat, she's about one year old... she has a lump between her legs. At a glance, it ...
  A: This vet is out of his mind and is ripping you off totally. I would like to know what major organs ...
Sudden death in pet rat9/30/2010
  Q: My female pet rat who is only 7 months old died this morning. She was healthy, has no evidence of ...
  A: A spider bite would be the last thing to consider to be honest, but it is not something to rule out ...
Seb my darling pet rat9/29/2010
  Q: Seb has had problems with myco (which I now know about since reading about it a lot) since we got ...
  A: Have you seen my website, sandyscrittercity.com? If not, please check over the page on illnesses ...
Rat Mites - DE?9/29/2010
  Q: Can diatomaceous earth be used topically on rats to treat for mites. I would rather not use ...
  A: Is this medical grade diatomaceous earth? I would not use it if it is a powder form. Rats should ...
Bonding with my three new rats9/28/2010
  Q: My partner and I recently bought three male dumbo rats for the purpose of keeping me company while ...
  A: Gloves keep the rats from getting to learn your scent and also make the rat feel unsure about you ...
Repository issues won't go away9/27/2010
  Q: My dear rat meryl has been sick on and off since june. She's always shown signs of mycro, but ...
  A: Sounds like she has chronic lung disease and scarring on her lungs from chronic myco. Please refer ...
rats9/27/2010
  Q: We have a baby rat that fell out of my hands and now she is holding her head to the side. She is ...
  A: It does sound like she may have injured herself. She should see a vet. Often a round of medication ...
Infection/Diarrhea9/26/2010
  Q: First I got two rats about a month ago. Last Wednesday one started acting kind of funny (real slow ...
  A: Are you saying you no longer have the rat that was sick? You returned it to the pet store? Also, ...
agression9/26/2010
  Q: I used to have 3 rats but one recently passed away and now i have 2 i used to have them all in one ...
  A: It seems that the rat that passed away may have been the alpha and now there are two males without a ...
Baby Rats crusty eyes9/26/2010
  Q: I now have another question! This morning I picked up 6 new rescue girls at 7 weeks old. I only ...
  A: Ideally, baytril should be reserved for rats older than 4 months unless the benefits outweigh the ...
3 month old female Rat9/23/2010
  Q: I just purchased a female rat at a local pet store. They said she is approximatley 3 months old. She ...
  A: A rat that was not handled from birth by humans is just like a wild rat, which means they are scared ...
ill rat-please advise9/21/2010
  Q: I have a rat that is 2 years old. She was one of 3 females that lived together. Last Friday, one of ...
  A: Have you checked out my website, Sandyscrittercity.com? Please refer to my site and go to the page ...
Lump in groin area9/21/2010
  Q: I was holding my pet rat, Remy & I notice a lump in his groin area near his right leg & now I am ...
  A: It may be an abscess. Is there a scab on it? I would give it a few days to see if it doesn't form a ...
Dumbo rat illness9/19/2010
  Q: I have two male dumbo rats that are about 1 and a half years in age. One of the rats has always been ...
  A: Did the vet give your rat steroids? The red blood from the nose is porphyrin and is seen when they ...
antibiotics for life9/19/2010
  Q: I have a 1 year ten months old rat who had been treated twice with antibiotics for upper respiratory ...
  A: Once the rat has been treated with baytril for a full 30 days using the proper dose, prophylactic ...
abdominal mass9/15/2010
  Q: I took my 2 1/2 year old boy in this morning to get his back foot looked at, he has a bumble and ...
  A: I have had rats survive surgery at 3 years of age and even older. You are right, with the mass in ...
I think my rat has URI! Help please.9/14/2010
  Q: So my rat has been sneezing a lot and he breathed weird a couple of times. He also has been having a ...
  A: I wish I could tell you that there is something naturally that will help and it would be so great if ...
Lupron amount for pet rat9/14/2010
  Q: I have an 18 month old unspayed female who has just developed (practically overnight) a small tumor ...
  A: Its a good idea to have the lump removed first before using lupron and of course you are right to ...
Sick rat9/10/2010
  Q: I just noticed that my 2 1/2yr old female albino rat, Sugar, is very sick. She has the ...
  A: She needs to see a Vet. I wish I could tell you more. You can continue to give her doxycycline but ...
I am messing up...9/9/2010
  Q: I did look at your website. I have been reading a lot about trust training from your site and some ...
  A: Did you get him in a cage yet? I think he needs alot more time yet and four days is still too soon ...
Very sick rat9/7/2010
  Q: My daughter has a pet rat thats just shy of 2 months old, and yesterday we noticed it wasn't acting ...
  A: I believe your rat has more than just myco. Myco is very misunderstood. It is a bacteria, not a ...
Medicine9/6/2010
  Q: My rat remy has overgrown teeth,so we are going to fix his teeth but we want to make him drowsy so ...
  A: This is not something that you should do. This needs to be performed by a vet that is very qualified ...
Rat Biting9/6/2010
  Q: My 7 m.o. F rat has been trying 2 chew a hole into my boxsprings. I went 2 grab her last week & she ...
  A: You have nothing to worry about. Your rat is NOT RABID. You should never let your rats run free, ...
Rat died after pyometra spay9/4/2010
  Q: I wrote a few days ago about a rat who may have had an internal abscess. We went ahead with surgery, ...
  A: Even though the vets names are listed on AEMV (association of exotic mammal Veterinarians) this ...
bedding9/4/2010
  Q: I am getting a baby rat soon. Looking for cool bedding for it. I found a shark head puppet. The ...
  A: Anything that you use should have an entrance and an exit. Also, if its made of fabric, it may be ...
Rat died after pyometra spay9/3/2010
  Q: I wrote a few days ago about a rat who may have had an internal abscess. We went ahead with surgery, ...
  A: I can tell you now what killed her. The infection spread into her body and she became septic. This ...
Bladder Stone and Mammary Tumor9/2/2010
  Q: We have an 18 month old unspayed female rat whom we brought in to see the vet for some mild ...
  A: Wow, lots of things going on here. For starters, I would not bother spending money on having the ...
chlorpalm & ivomec9/1/2010
  Q: Today I took my rat to the vet and he got an Ivomec injection for his mites. The vet said to go back ...
  A: Your rat is on an old drug not very useful for myco. SHe should be on baytril for 30 days for myco. ...
Unknown issue with my precious rattie9/1/2010
  Q: My rat is actting really strange. She's usually okay with being held, she runs around normally. Up ...
  A: Something spooked her. Once, my rats acted this way and I was so confused. FInally I realized I had ...
Follow up on last night's question9/1/2010
  Q: I spent 3plus hours reading your sight, and we will change our cleaning habits, already changed her ...
  A: Let me find a vet for your rat. DO NOT take her to a vet that is clueless. Your right to be ...
socialising rats9/1/2010
  Q: whats the best way to get my rats used to other people? i have 2 rats, about 5 months old that live ...
  A: Rats are very untrusting animals, always having to look out for their own well being, mainly since ...
New pet rat has little red discharge on nose9/1/2010
  Q: my 13 year old daughter (& I) just got "Missi" 2-3 weeks ago (it's been a very stressful month for ...
  A: Please refer to my website, sandyscrittercity.com and please go to the page called "Bloody discharge ...
Pet rats8/30/2010
  Q: I have two lovely girl rats named Pickles and Pudge. They are my babies and I take very good care ...
  A: Please refer to my site, sandyscrittercity.com and check out the page that is titled "bloody eyes ...
Internal Abscess8/29/2010
  Q: My little 8 month hairless rat, Mochi, is having issues. She had a swelling on her side that ...
  A: I am wondering if this isnt an internal tumor. Either way, its worth the effort to go in and get it ...
acute pododermatitis8/27/2010
  Q: I am hoping to confirm that Acute Pododermatitis is the condition my rat was suffering from. Before ...
  A: Sorry for the delay. I was moving from Florida back to NC and have gotten behind answering ...
field mouse8/27/2010
  Q: My cat got a hold of a mouse in our house and I was able to save the mouse. However, her leg is ...
  A: Take her to a vet that treats wild life. I can try to find someone for you. You can give her ...
Rats8/26/2010
  Q: I bought a 4 week old rat and she is scared of me! She doesn't even eat from my hand, only in her ...
  A: If your rat was not properly socialized (they should be handled from birth) this is what happens. ...
when to bring in new rat8/25/2010
  Q: I have a situation. An aquaintance of mine had two rats. One of the rats was very sick and they ...
  A: Just to clear up a misconception and a little quick course on Bacteriology concerning rats :) ...
Dumbo Rats8/25/2010
  Q: well first of all i use to have a fancy rat, and he loved to play in the bathtub with a little bit ...
  A: I have an easy solution to your problem! Go to my website, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the ...
Mammary Tumor8/24/2010
  Q: I found a pretty decent size bump on my rat that seemed to pop up out of no where. It's growing so ...
  A: Hey Chelsea For starters, please refer to my website, sandyscrittercity.com and check out under the ...
Poorly rat now with tumour8/23/2010
  Q: I am in the UK and I was hoping that you could help? My 18 month year old boy has suffered with ...
  A: Try this link for vets in the UK http://www.aemv.org/vetlist.cfm I would be leary about surgery ...
male dumbo rat draging back legs8/22/2010
  Q: My daughter has a male dumbo who is approx. 3 (guessing, we have had him for over 2 years).When she ...
  A: Please refer to my website, sandyscrittercity.com Start with this page on elderly rats. I believe ...
bronchodilator causes respiratory distress?8/21/2010
  Q: Have you ever heard of this reaction with aminophyline? Dewy had been breathing from the sides of ...
  A: I am so sorry to read about the loss of your little furry guy. The pain from losing a rat is ...
Brown Urine8/21/2010
  Q: I had two pet rats. One passed on the 11th of this month. She had a giant tumor on her hip and she ...
  A: Its bloody urine, and it could indicate either bladder infection or kidney infection. Either way, ...
Sick hairless rat female8/19/2010
  Q: I have a pet hairless rat female (18 mos) that is very sick. Her symptoms began about 5 days ago and ...
  A: Your vet is not certified to treat exotics. Small companion animals are dogs and cats. Exotic ...
i need an answer please8/19/2010
  Q: my rat simon is about 2 years old he was fine yesterday and today i looked inside his cage and he ...
  A: How often do you clean the cage? For info on proper pet care, refer to sandyscrittercity.com I do ...
acute bumblefoot8/18/2010
  Q: I have a 3 year old rat named Tony whose back foot swelled up and my mom doesn't want to take him to ...
  A: Cefa drops are good, too, but its a good idea for the vet to see this. I love Dr.Greenburg. Even if ...
Sick hairless rat female8/18/2010
  Q: I have a pet hairless rat female (18 mos) that is very sick. Her symptoms began about 5 days ago and ...
  A: Your rat is too old to get pregnant now and of course is not healthy for it so its good she didn not ...
Rat question8/18/2010
  Q: I think my 10mon old female fancy rat has had a respiratory/ear infection since purchase 7months ...
  A: Please refer to my site, sandyscrittercity.com. Refer to the section on rat illnesses and check out ...
My Pet Rat8/17/2010
  Q: I have two male fancy rats that are both under a year old. This summer, I went on vacation for a ...
  A: I dont think its a parasite problem or you would see other areas on him losing hair, not to mention ...
Rat Fleas, Aggression, and Worrisome Vet8/17/2010
  Q: I am a new rat owner, and I have a few concerns about my rats' health, and some of vet's advice. ...
  A: For starters, congRATS on being a new rat owner. Your doing an awesome job, especially by doing ...
acute bumblefoot8/17/2010
  Q: I have a 3 year old rat named Tony whose back foot swelled up and my mom doesn't want to take him to ...
  A: I think I need to remove that where I said if you cant see a vet dont contact me...because it does ...
cheek abscess and jaw became crooked8/15/2010
  Q: My pet rat mika recently had a ear infection. We had taken her to our vet and was given baytril and ...
  A: Before we go any further, please refer to my site, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the illness ...
tumors or lymph nodes?8/15/2010
  Q: how are you? I asked you a question about two months ago regarding my rat Ginger's breathing ...
  A: To be honest, these do sound like mammary tumors. Swollen lymph glands would be felt under the skin, ...
Rat has soft stool8/14/2010
  Q: i think i have found the right site. i was wondering if my rat is ok. he is not in any serious ...
  A: Your rats diet is not that good at all. I dont know what "rat guy" your talking about, but check ...
hyper new rat that loves to jump8/13/2010
  Q: i recently got my first 2 rats. 2 females, one is a dumbo (Honda) and the other one is Kawi. honda ...
  A: Rats can jump up to 4 feet, so the chances that your barrier is not high enough is possible. When ...
sick Ratties8/11/2010
  Q: No they don’t use a litter pan; I will definitely have a read of your website and try to train them! ...
  A: Before you use the baytril powder, please let me know what strength it is. It comes in different ...
suddenly aggressive rat8/11/2010
  Q: I have 6 rats in a very large cage: four intact males, one neutered male and one spayed female. They ...
  A: It could be anything....at his age, I wouldn't guess it be puberty, but sometimes hormone issues ...
Rat lost fur on it's cheeks8/10/2010
  Q: My sweet rat is nearly 1 year old soon, but I recently noticed that she's losing fur on her cheeks. ...
  A: You may not be aware of this, but your rats diet is not as healthy as you think. Corn and nuts are ...
sick Ratties8/10/2010
  Q: No they don’t use a litter pan; I will definitely have a read of your website and try to train them! ...
  A: As far as I know, baytril is available by prescription only, even in the UK....I "think"! As far as ...
sudden rat death8/10/2010
  Q: We had a young female rat (about 7 weeks old) who died suddenly during the night. Before I went to ...
  A: I am very sorry for your loss! It could be from a number of things, from mega colon to her body ...
Fleas on my pet rat?8/9/2010
  Q: I am worried about hurting him. I live in a very small place its about 50 miles from the closes pet ...
  A: Let me know once you get the medication and I will take it step by step on how to use it and how ...
Fleas on my pet rat?8/9/2010
  Q: I am worried about hurting him. I live in a very small place its about 50 miles from the closes pet ...
  A: You can buy medication right from the Vets. You will need to buy a product called revolution for ...
2 rattie girls8/9/2010
  Q: I hope you are well. You previously advised me on my rattie girl who all of a sudden started ...
  A: Do your girls use a litter pan? I always prefer this over having the litter all over a large area ...
pregnant?8/9/2010
  Q: i got my rat about 3 weeks ago and it has just got fatter and more grumpy and when i pick it up it ...
  A: Its easy to see if they are girls, of course, but do you know if they were mixed with males at the ...
aggressive behavior during feeding8/8/2010
  Q: my name is Andy and i have a troubling issue. i have 2 male rats that are approximately 4 months ...
  A: I have a feeling that you do not allow them to self feed, which simply means food is available to ...
should I chance a surgery for deep tumor8/7/2010
  Q: Mortimer, the best rat I have ever had (most sociable, affectionate, bravest) has also been the ...
  A: I am really sorry about this. I had this happen to my boy a few years ago. I do a daily inspection ...
Sick rat i think is blind8/7/2010
  Q: I have 2 year old rats. One overnight has developed a glazed over (kinda like a cataract) not glassy ...
  A: This could mean one of several things, from infection to stroke. This is critical that the vet ...
Abused and Neglected rats8/7/2010
  Q: I have got a situation here that I'm not quite sure what to do about and so I'm seeking some advise. ...
  A: This story is so heartbreaking I could hardly read it!! In fact I skipped past some things because ...
Dumbo rat illness8/6/2010
  Q: I have two male dumbo rats that are about 1 and a half years in age. One of the rats has always been ...
  A: I am very sorry for your loss. I had a feeling it was pneumonia (as I stated earlier) just from the ...
6 boys - 1 big problem !8/6/2010
  Q: I hope you could give me some advice. I adopted a litter of 6 baby bucks two weeks ago and they are ...
  A: Despite the fact you have such a large cage, there is still too many males together and even if the ...
Rat fight8/6/2010
  Q: My friends have recently bought a baby rat named cocoa she is female and a great rat but since they ...
  A: 6 weeks old is a bit young to show aggression. I wish I knew more about the way they fight. Rats ...
Question(s) about Myco8/5/2010
  Q: We have a 1 yr 6 months old rat called Darwin. He has had Myco for about 8 months. He was on Doxy ...
  A: I would have to hear him myself rather than go by what the vet says. I really hate to be so hard ...
Surgery Bandage8/5/2010
  Q: I just had my 20 month old rat operated on to remove a mammary tumor near her back leg. She was ...
  A: Remove the bandage. The vet is incorrect. I have been working with nothing but rats for years ...
very sick rat8/4/2010
  Q: My rat started with the balance problem so I started giving him baytril. He seemed to be having ...
  A: This is the part of my job that I do not like very much...and that is being the bearer of bad news. ...
geriatric rat in distress8/4/2010
  Q: I have an elderly (about 3 years old) rate and he seems to be in some distress. The vet I used ...
  A: Its time for a new vet. Your vet should have simply put your rat under anesthesia. Once the rat was ...
Ferb8/3/2010
  Q: I noticed today that my rat, Ferb, is spitting up her food. This morning, I fed both my rats a ...
  A: Thats good news. I sucked with the time I took to reply but I have been so busy with my personal ...
Sick Rat8/3/2010
  Q: A user in 2008 asked a question regarding their rat acting strangely as though it were drunk. The ...
  A: Can he use his front paws to grasp and hold food and other objects? It could be one or he other: ...
Mother rat8/2/2010
  Q: My rat is going to give birth soon. From when the babies are born, when do I wean the babies from ...
  A: For starters, be sure the cage the rat pups are in have bar spacing very close so they cant fit ...
Several small, hard lumps in female8/2/2010
  Q: This weekend I found at least 3 small, hard lumps under my rats skin. She is about two years old. ...
  A: I swore I answered this and here it is again in my out box.....so I will try again. These tumors ...
bereaved rat...... continued7/31/2010
  Q: I appreciate your sympathy for the loss of our Rupert and I also understand why sometimes ...
  A: I would not put him with the new pups. I do think he probably has either respiratory issues or even ...
Ferb7/30/2010
  Q: I noticed today that my rat, Ferb, is spitting up her food. This morning, I fed both my rats a ...
  A: Rats dont vomit. Perhaps she was choking? Sounds like she was, and the foaming from the saliva and ...
2 rattie girls7/29/2010
  Q: I hope you are well. You previously advised me on my rattie girl who all of a sudden started ...
  A: Mycoplasmosis lives in the rats nasal passages, which is why your rats nose is congested. It doesnt ...
New pet rat bites me7/29/2010
  Q: I recently bought my first pet rat, about 4 days ago. I've been letting him get acquainted with his ...
  A: Check out my site, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the page on shy or biting rats. You did hit ...
rat tumor7/29/2010
  Q: i was looking at her tumor today and noticed it has a few very hard lumps inside the tumor what is ...
  A: More tumors inside the tumor...usually. Sometimes the tumors can also develop abscesses inside. ...
Poorly rat and Baytril7/28/2010
  Q: I sent you a question which you kindly replied a couple of months back about our male Dumbo rat ...
  A: My mistake.....thinking I need reading glasses more and more each day...I read COUNTY as COUNTRY! I ...
2 rattie girls7/28/2010
  Q: I hope you are well. You previously advised me on my rattie girl who all of a sudden started ...
  A: What should have occured with your girl is that once she started with her first flare up prior to ...
Poorly rat and Baytril7/27/2010
  Q: I sent you a question which you kindly replied a couple of months back about our male Dumbo rat ...
  A: The one mistake that I see that was made was the fact the rat was not put on oral antibiotics. The ...
Loss of motor-skill7/27/2010
  Q: I have a 19-24 mo. old neutered male rat who has been a joy to fellowship with as well as his 3 ...
  A: http://www.sandyscrittercity.com/leukemiainrats.htm Please refer to my website, ...
My rat is leaking yellow goo!7/27/2010
  Q: I got my rat Peanut in February 2009. He's 1 now and a few months after i got him he stopped letting ...
  A: Sounds like he has an abscess. Please refer to my website, sandyscrittercity.com and check out the ...
Rat Living space/ Post-Surgery7/24/2010
  Q: I have 2 rat sisters , Amelia and Bunny, that I adopted 11 months ago. I previously owned 2 rats but ...
  A: You can read all about post op recovery and what to expect, including complications, just by going ...
Your expertise7/23/2010
  Q: I am concerned about the quality of expertise when it comes rats and wanted to be sure I was asking ...
  A: Wow....this is kind of putting me on the spot here, but I am confident I can answer this for you. ...
My skinny rat7/22/2010
  Q: she is about 2-3 months old and when i got her she was slim and a month later being with her she has ...
  A: Every rat is built different. Some are more petite than others. However, you may be using the ...
Question(s) about Myco7/22/2010
  Q: We have a 1 yr 6 months old rat called Darwin. He has had Myco for about 8 months. He was on Doxy ...
  A: I like to use trimethoprim which is also known as Co-trimazine for secondary infections and also ...
Lump on pet rats neck7/22/2010
  Q: A few days ago I got 2 female rats that are about 2 months old. I've noticed one of them has a lump ...
  A: The good news is this is probably an abcess and not a tumor. Mammary tissue isnt found on the ...
Question(s) about Myco7/21/2010
  Q: We have a 1 yr 6 months old rat called Darwin. He has had Myco for about 8 months. He was on Doxy ...
  A: Please refer to my site, sandyscritercity.com and check out the info on myco. The problem is, if ...
Heart Murmur??7/21/2010
  Q: Please can you shed any light on my poorly little girl? she's 19 mnths old and suddenly on Monday ...
  A: Please read my site, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the page on heart disease. However, she may ...
Rats and Degus7/21/2010
  Q: We adopted two baby female rats to accompany our adult female (about a year old) whose cage mate ...
  A: Shes one in a million..probably putting the rats and degus together as young pups. Keep in mind ...
The expert, Tami, is clueless7/20/2010
  Q: I wrote to Tami, who claims to know alllllllll about rat care yet could not answer my question, so ...
  A: For starters, I am a bit uncomfortable with your accusations against Tami, another expert here. It ...
Various questions7/20/2010
  Q: I have 2 pet rats, 1 grey husky rat and 1 pink-eyed dumbo rat. They have 24 hour food and water and ...
  A: You need to see my site, sandyscrittercity.com. Check out the page on rat teeth and also on proper ...
Monkey noises?7/19/2010
  Q: My boy Dom just turned 2. This month I've heard him make a noise 3 or 4 times. It sounds kind of ...
  A: Yep, thats the way I describe it too...like a WHO WHO WHO sound on occasion, too, or the monkey ...
Update - Pickle and Ellie7/19/2010
  Q: Sorry if I am not going about this the right way, but wanted to let you know that since my question ...
  A: Ok....just got to this response....I just asked you how they were. I think they were scared by the ...
Help, My rat has a swollen foot7/19/2010
  Q: I live in Mexico, but here there are no vets who are experts on rat care. Last week i observed my ...
  A: I am really sorry for the delay in answering you. My daughter got married over the weekend and I ...
mam tumor removal is a catheter needed?7/18/2010
  Q: my hairless rat, lily is going in next week to get a mammary tumor removed. while going over the ...
  A: Hmmm.....I am curious as to what they are charging you for this. All they need to do is an ...
Mammary tumor advice7/15/2010
  Q: one of my girls Badger has a tumor just behind her front right leg. I first noticed it a couple of ...
  A: I am so sorry for the delay. I am out of state for my daughters wedding, but do want to tell you ...
Quiet rat7/13/2010
  Q: I was hoping to have some advise on training my rat and also on her behaviour. Bonnie is about ...
  A: All rats should be kept in pairs, male or female no matter how devoted the owner is to the rat. THe ...
rat with bumblefoot7/13/2010
  Q: I have a male rat whose a year and 8 months old and in the last month he has developed a bad case of ...
  A: Bumblefoot is a pain in the arse to get rid of. Sounds like your doing all you can do. You can try ...
Rat scratches and scars7/12/2010
  Q: My son has 2 male rats that have lived together fine for their first 6 months. Then the rat fights ...
  A: Ya know....I have kept more male rats than female rats and never had much of an issue with fighting ...
malccolusion..7/8/2010
  Q: I was reading your article about the rat who might have a broken jaw..instead might have a ...
  A: Westminster Veterinary Group 6621 Westminster Blvd. Westminster CA 92683 Phone: 714-899-1100 ...
Hawk attacked rat's eye7/6/2010
  Q: I usually let my 4 rats run around outside in a top of a cage. I check on them frequently but today ...
  A: Your rats lucky the hawk wasnt able to carry it off. Please read my website sandyscrittercity.com ...
Finding a Vet7/6/2010
  Q: We have a female rat that is tilting her head and appears off. She doesn't seem to see as well as ...
  A: SUMMERTREE ANIMAL & BIRD CLINIC 12300 Inwood Rd Ste 102 Dallas, Tx 75244 (972) 387-4168 Fax ...
older rat very sleepy and hangs head over cage edges7/4/2010
  Q: You have helped me once before with my rattie Rocko, now I am worried about my other rat, Krommie. ...
  A: Check out my site, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the pages on heart and lung disease. Compare ...
Three Rats Sick at Once7/3/2010
  Q: Three of my rats came down with the same symptoms of illness on Tuesday... two at the same time and ...
  A: Its probably Streptococcus pneumoniae(pneumococcus) which is a very nasty and very contagious ...
Rat is chewing on his own penis.7/3/2010
  Q: I just bought my male rat yesterday, he is about 8 weeks old. i recently noticed that he keeps ...
  A: Probably has a problem going on and needs a vet. Sometimes the sheath to the penis gets stuck which ...
Trusted Vet for Rat Tumors7/2/2010
  Q: I have had pet rats for over 10 years and my latest girl (18 mos old) has developed what may be a ...
  A: Not sure of the prices here, could even be the same place that quoted you $700 which is highway ...
Can a spayed female live peacefully with multiple intact male rats?6/30/2010
  Q: I have a male rat about 1.5 years old. He is as sweet as pie. His brother passed away and I am ...
  A: The spayed female would be fine, but yes, you do need to worry about the males getting along. In ...
elderly rat ripping incision open!6/30/2010
  Q: today I had taken my 4 year old boy Mr White in to have a .25lb tumor removed. We were going to just ...
  A: Just to let you know, as per the location of your Vet, you are living about 90 minutes from one of ...
Mammary Tumors6/30/2010
  Q: I have a 2 year old female rat who has developed 3 tumors, one behind her back leg and two in the ...
  A: Waiting three weeks is not a problem as long as the tumor is not infected, and even still, ...
Mammary Tumors again6/29/2010
  Q: I just have one quick question on mammary tumors and Lupron. I have only just read about this and ...
  A: I am also leary of surgery at this age. I just answered a question from someone that has a 4 yr old ...
elderly rat ripping incision open!6/29/2010
  Q: today I had taken my 4 year old boy Mr White in to have a .25lb tumor removed. We were going to just ...
  A: Awesome job at raising rats. Not that I doubt his age (I have had several live to be 4, with one ...
Rat tumor?6/29/2010
  Q: I basically have the same problem that a girl Rachel had asked about. She had a rat with a growth ...
  A: Its a mammary tumor. Its not as common for males to have them but they do occur. They are almost ...
elderly rat ripping incision open!6/29/2010
  Q: today I had taken my 4 year old boy Mr White in to have a .25lb tumor removed. We were going to just ...
  A: Check out my site, sandyscrittercity.com and read up on post op complications. I have two stories ...
Rats with tumor...6/28/2010
  Q: I've recently taken in 2 rats from a neighbor of mine who found them at a friends house (they were ...
  A: There really isnt much you can do to help slow the tumors with the help of a Vet. Please see my ...
rat with bulging white eye6/28/2010
  Q: About a week and a half ago I found an adult (guessing) brown rat along side the road with a little ...
  A: Dont tell the vet the rat is wild...simple. I have had many wild rats and never told the vet. I ...
Need help finding a RAT vet!6/27/2010
  Q: My rattie Cherio who is 18 months old has an enlarged abdomin. She's had pyrometra before where ...
  A: Sometimes a vet that is not up to par about rats may mistake the full bowel as a spleen....I would ...
Pet rat suddenly biting6/27/2010
  Q: We have two female rats and both have been very socialized. I have the same problem as one of your ...
  A: When did she bite you? What situtaion occured when the biting took place? For example, was she out ...
Female Dumbo Rat6/27/2010
  Q: I have 2 female dumbo rats (sisters) and I just noticed one puffing herself up, seeming like it was ...
  A: Yes there is something you can do for her. You can take her to the Vet and have her treated. Please ...
rats6/26/2010
  Q: My female rat I have had about 7 days now, it doesn't seem like she is eating anything. She is ...
  A: Here is what I have in your area: Sacramento Avian and Exotics Veterinary Services 4990 Manzanita ...
rats6/26/2010
  Q: My female rat I have had about 7 days now, it doesn't seem like she is eating anything. She is ...
  A: Wow....the vet said that without trying to help her? You need a new vet! She needs an exam and ...
Swollen Front Paw6/25/2010
  Q: She has a swollen front paw which I noticed because she was 'chewing' on it. She doesn't seem to be ...
  A: Bumble foot (typical) has alot of people fooled, including many Vets. Please refer to my website, ...
My rat has fluid in her lungs and she's not responding to antibiotics.6/25/2010
  Q: How are you? My rat Ginger has been wheezing on and off for a long time, I took her to the vet ...
  A: $300 for an xray? Do me a favor, tell them that they are NOT in this profession because they love ...
Need help finding a RAT vet!6/25/2010
  Q: My rattie Cherio who is 18 months old has an enlarged abdomin. She's had pyrometra before where ...
  A: Please let me know where you were going (go private, this way it will be between just you and I) I ...
My rat has fluid in her lungs and she's not responding to antibiotics.6/24/2010
  Q: How are you? My rat Ginger has been wheezing on and off for a long time, I took her to the vet ...
  A: Wait...the vets at Northside want to charge you nearly $1000 for a simple tumor removal? ARE THEY ...
wound licking6/24/2010
  Q: hey there! i have a 2 year old male standard named Gimpy. months ago a lump started forming on his ...
  A: This sounds like a tumor that has abscessed. What you should do is have it removed by a qualified ...
rat dying slowley6/24/2010
  Q: i woke up this morning to find one of my male rats (about 2years old) exiled from the main group of ...
  A: Why let him die? Take him to the vet! He sounds like he has an infection, and if he has blood from ...
Hair Loss6/22/2010
  Q: My pet rat Petunia is about a year and a half. She recently has been losing her hair. It started ...
  A: Please refer to sandyscrittercity.com. Check out the page on proper diet and also the page on skin ...
Mice6/22/2010
  Q: Is 3/8" bar spacing for female lab mice a little risky? Would it be best to fix wire mesh onto the ...
  A: If the mice are tiny babies, I would use an aquarium for a short time, or yes, the mesh, but I have ...
Why did my rat die???6/21/2010
  Q: About and hour ago, I found my 2 year old pet rat Templeton dead in his enclosure. I was very upset, ...
  A: I am sorry your rat died. He was only 2 so no, he did not die from old age. If he were over 3, I ...
When is it time to put my rat to sleep?6/21/2010
  Q: I have a female hooded rat who is just short of 2 years old. She developed a mammary tumor in her ...
  A: I am really sorry that the vet you saw told you that your girl would not survive the surgery. This ...
My pet rat is shaking?6/19/2010
  Q: I have a year old pet rat, who just recently began shaking uncontrollably. Her entire body will rock ...
  A: She needs to see a vet. Also, the baby rats should have been in quarantine for three weeks and there ...
respiratory issue6/19/2010
  Q: ... my poor pet, Nakkie the female hairless rat (approximately 1 year in age) has had ongoing health ...
  A: Please check out my website, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the page on mycoplasmosis. As for ...
Wound on belly6/19/2010
  Q: My 8 month old male rat has an open wound on his belly that we discovered yesterday morning. I took ...
  A: Please go to my website, sandyscrittercity.com or just go to this URL here: ...
My sick rat6/18/2010
  Q: Okay, I have two pet rats, Kibbles and Bits. Bits is the livelier one, fatter and friendlier, and ...
  A: She needs to see a Vet. It sounds like she has some respiratory problems and will need treatment ...
My rat has fluid in her lungs and she's not responding to antibiotics.6/16/2010
  Q: How are you? My rat Ginger has been wheezing on and off for a long time, I took her to the vet ...
  A: You need to either find another vet or tell this vet he is NOT treating your rat properly. He has ...
sudden death6/16/2010
  Q: I got two rats from a friend about 4 months ago. I'm not sure how old they were when I got them. ...
  A: You need to get Nosey to a vet that is qualified to treat rats. I will give you names of decent vets ...
Question about hairless rat's eyes and sneezing6/16/2010
  Q: I'm a first time rat owner and just bought a hairless rat from a pet store. I'm not sure of his ...
  A: http://www.aemv.org/vetlist.cfm Above is the URL to the association of exotic mammal Vets. Dont let ...
Rat Illness6/16/2010
  Q: My female rat is just over a year old. Just under a week ago I noticed she was acting funny - ...
  A: Clavamox is a drug used more for non mycoplasmosis infections, which sounds like she may have right ...
Question about hairless rat's eyes and sneezing6/16/2010
  Q: I'm a first time rat owner and just bought a hairless rat from a pet store. I'm not sure of his ...
  A: Here is the deal with hairless rats: They lack a thymus gland and because of this, their immune ...
Snitter's eyes6/15/2010
  Q: again! I recently have been bombarding you with questions about my buddy Rowf, who passed away two ...
  A: Do you have the new rats with Snitter? Also, how old is he again? As for the sneezing and any ...
Question about rat health6/15/2010
  Q: Info: I am 14, and I don't have a lot of money to take the rats to the vet. My first rats. - 2 ...
  A: Do I think that they may have excess porphyrin due to the fact they go to the bathroom outside of ...
Should I neuter my rat(s)?6/15/2010
  Q: I have two male rats, Norbert and Daggett, about 15 months old. Daggett is the alpha male, but ...
  A: I would only neuter the aggressor, which would be Daggett. Its a bit odd that he is just doing ...
Question about rat health6/14/2010
  Q: Info: I am 14, and I don't have a lot of money to take the rats to the vet. My first rats. - 2 ...
  A: It doesnt sound like much of a problem. My boys have it too. Some days the paper towels they use in ...
Sick Rat!!6/14/2010
  Q: recently one of my pet rats has fallen ill. Here's some background information on him. I got him ...
  A: I really truly wish I could help, but if he is indeed harboring some type of illness, there is ...
Pet Rats and Leptospirosis6/14/2010
  Q: Hey Sandra, I was writing because I own 5 rats, and have been getting criticized by my family, ...
  A: Your right, it does NOT come from pet rats and in fact, its a myth even with wild rats unless your ...
my boy is not well6/14/2010
  Q: My male rat, approx 2 years weighing 850g has not been himself for about 3 weeks now. 2 weeks ago ...
  A: I am a bit afraid that due to the fact the baytril was used improperly, he now as an infection that ...
Nikita's tumor6/14/2010
  Q: I want to thank you for the advice that you gave me about Nikita's tumor. I've made an appointment ...
  A: Some vets say to keep the rat from their cagemates till the stitches come out. I have had extensive ...
Sudden death of two rats6/13/2010
  Q: Four days ago I had two pet rats. Now I have none. They both seemed to die very suddenly. I checked ...
  A: I am so sorry for your loss. I once lost four rats in one day. They were NOT cagemates and died ...
Nummy6/13/2010
  Q: Just survived a traumtic respitory situation. We've spoken via the phone a while back. Around the ...
  A: I did move from NC to Florida, but I am in SW Florida, in Cape Coral. Of course thats neither here ...
IzzySparkles has a cyst or tumor?6/12/2010
  Q: My female rat Izzy has developed a cyst or tumor near a nipple some months back. It was small in ...
  A: She is just beautiful and her body is so lean! I do not blame you for anything, so dont take me the ...
Chronic Respiratory problems6/12/2010
  Q: One of my rescue rats (Kramer) has been struggling with respiratory issues for about 3 months now. ...
  A: Where are you located? The vet you have now (I seriously doubt he specializes in exotics and if you ...
IzzySparkles has a cyst or tumor?6/12/2010
  Q: My female rat Izzy has developed a cyst or tumor near a nipple some months back. It was small in ...
  A: This needs removed by a qualified. I fear due to the fact it is black (necrotic) that it may be ...
dumbo rats with blood in urine6/11/2010
  Q: I have a female dumbo rat that is about 1.5 years old. When she walks across you she leaves a trail ...
  A: I have a few names, all are an hour away or a bit more. How far do you think you can travel? Here ...
Kids too small?6/11/2010
  Q: Had to start a new question as I was told there were too many follow ups in the last one. I make up ...
  A: I would increase the lab blocks. Fill up a dish....say, a total of 10 blocks. I bet they dont touch ...
Dumbo Rats6/11/2010
  Q: How aggressive are they? Do they need special needs? How big do they get? How old should they be ...
  A: Absolutely a good rattery. I do not think they breed dumbo rats, though..... Go to the website ...
Very interested neutered boys.6/11/2010
  Q: When I was given my rats as a birthday present at the beginning of February, our local pet shop lady ...
  A: It depends on the size of their parents. Scurry sounds a bit on the small side as does Dippa. What ...
Dumbo Rats6/10/2010
  Q: How aggressive are they? Do they need special needs? How big do they get? How old should they be ...
  A: I will answer you as per each question you asked, in the correct order you asked. However, just to ...
Introducing a new rat6/10/2010
  Q: I have a 7-month-old white male rat named Graverobber, who has lived alone since I got him. He is ...
  A: His name is hilarious!! LOL! I have heard some good names, like "Cat food" and so on, but this ...
My rats eye is discoloring6/9/2010
  Q: Help, My rat Josie is about a year old, and her eye is starting to turn a grayish white color. It ...
  A: Please refer to my website, sandyscrittercity.com and go to the page on eye infections. Compare some ...
Baby rat chewed his own tail6/9/2010
  Q: We just got our first baby rat only yesterday for my daughter’s bday. He is adorable baby rat. We ...
  A: Has anyone picked him up by his tail? Your rat did not chew his tail. He was degloved. The black ...
Dosage of arnica6/8/2010
  Q: My rattie, Foggy, has sprained his foot. I have arnica 30c pillules which we use. I was told that I ...
  A: You need to use something that will REALLY work on inflammation. This is just some herbal remedy ...
Persephone post-op6/8/2010
  Q: I tried to add to the previous thread that I was posting in, but I asked too many questions so had ...
  A: I am so happy to hear that she is doing so well. So it was a seroma for sure? From your description ...
food aggression6/8/2010
  Q: My pet rat Ninja, who is solitary and about 2.5 yrs old, has recently started to be very food ...
  A: Just a heads up...if you have seen what I have seen, you will use the condo. I have seen rats ...
Saving a wild rat6/7/2010
  Q: My younger brother found a hurt rat on the side of the road today. We decided that we'll try to help ...
  A: I am glad you saved her. I saved a wild rat once...she lived to be 4 yrs old and was the best rat I ...
Pet rat fell in cage6/7/2010
  Q: Last night, my rat Trigg fell from the second level of her cage. I saw it from a distance, but it ...
  A: I have seen this happen after a fall. She probably hurt herself in the neck area. I would get her to ...
Trauma to the eye...6/7/2010
  Q: I've asked you a question before about my Rat Monkey, she was bleeding vaginally? one thing, shes ok ...
  A: She probably has an eye infection. Please refer to my page on eye infections on my site, ...
Mammary Tumor?6/6/2010
  Q: I recently noticed a small "tumor" on my 1 yr. old female rat. I am very concerned about her, and ...
  A: Please read about these tumors on my website, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the page on tumors. ...
rat having problems post-operation6/6/2010
  Q: I have a 22 month old rat, Persephone. Recently she had a growth on her vulva (right under the ...
  A: I have a page on post op etc...on my critter city site, but more about infected incisions etc... ...
loss of appetite6/6/2010
  Q: i have a hair less rat that is fairly young that seems to possibly have a swollen tongue and ...
  A: All I can suggest is that she see a vet right away. Blood in the urine is a sign of many things, ...
food aggression6/5/2010
  Q: My pet rat Ninja, who is solitary and about 2.5 yrs old, has recently started to be very food ...
  A: Samantha! After reading your message twice and taking a few deep breaths before writing this, I ...
Rat tail laceration6/5/2010
  Q: My rat got injured today. His tail is lacerated. About an inch at least long, clean cut, athough the ...
  A: Dont use peroxide unless thats all you have. I prefer hibiclens which can be found at Walmart in the ...
Rat with "weak" back legs - UPDATE6/4/2010
  Q: We took our boy to the vet on Friday, and he believes he has spinal nerve damage, which he thinks ...
  A: I wish I could help you, but as I stated on my website concerning the use of this product, I have no ...
Male Rats6/4/2010
  Q: I have two male rats, one is a fancy rat(burt) and the other is a dumbo rat(shoobi). i got burt ...
  A: I think Shoobi will forget about what occured with Burt, but that doesnt mean that he wont still be ...
Detecting Blood in rat stools6/4/2010
  Q: We have fresh stools and put Hydrogen peroxide on it they turn white and bubbled up Larry
  A: I would get her off the meloxicam. I have an article on my website about the dangers of using this ...
dumbo rats with blood in urine6/4/2010
  Q: I have a female dumbo rat that is about 1.5 years old. When she walks across you she leaves a trail ...
  A: Yes, absolutely there is something that can be done!!!!! She needs to see a vet because she has ...
my pet rat6/3/2010
  Q: I have a female pet rat she is about one and half yrs old. just latley i have noticed she has ...
  A: Please refer ASAP to my website, sandyscrittercity.com and look up pituitary tumor and also read up ...
Pet rat with blood in her urine6/3/2010
  Q: I have a female pet rat who is approx 18 months old. We noticed that she had blood in her urine at ...
  A: ~Just for starters, does your rat eat a large amount of carrots or anything red, such as berries or ...
my pet rat6/2/2010
  Q: I've had two rats for a while now, one for about 5 or 6 weeks longer than the other. Memphis, the ...
  A: You need to check out my site, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the page on training shy rats. ...
Male Rats6/2/2010
  Q: I have two male rats, one is a fancy rat(burt) and the other is a dumbo rat(shoobi). i got burt ...
  A: Its sooooooooo hard to intro two males, esp if one is an adult. I would give up to be honest, and ...
Perry6/1/2010
  Q: My rat, Perry, was on the top floor of her cage yesterday. I noticed at least one of her paws up, ...
  A: Is she still walking backwards? You said something about her paws...what about it? Also where do ...
My poor Gulliver6/1/2010
  Q: I thought I'd write to you, since you've helped me so much with my other rats in the past. We lost ...
  A: Possible lung abscess or pneumonia....respiratory arrest, tumor in his sinus cavity...even ...
sick rat5/31/2010
  Q: I have a question about my 7 week old rat. Yesterday, he was fine, acting normal. Today he was ...
  A: He will die without treatment, obviously, but with the proper treatment he should recover just fine. ...
Pet Rat Dying with Tumor5/31/2010
  Q: Again, Dewey, my beloved rat is sick. Since I wrote you last, about the spinning, she has developed ...
  A: She may have a mass in her genitals. Keep an eye on it. As for putting her with the males, no, do ...
Re - my male rats5/31/2010
  Q: I have two boys who are about 10 months old. One is shy and doesn't like to be picked up much, and ...
  A: I have a ferret nation. You cant really use at least till the rats are 3 to 4 months old or they can ...
degu tail injury5/31/2010
  Q: i was wondering if you could help me?? i came home from work this morning to find alot of blood in ...
  A: Sounds like she has been degloved. Like rats, degus have a natural defense when they are grabbed by ...
Pet rat with possible prolapsed uterus5/31/2010
  Q: Okay, my daughter and I have done a really dumb thing! My daughter found a pink, hairless, ...
  A: For starters, shame on the vet that wont see this little girl!!! I do want to clear up any ...
red discharge5/30/2010
  Q: I have a pet rat that I adopted after my boyfriend's Ball Python had no interest in eating him. He ...
  A: It is probably due to stress. I dont take much stock in porphyrin right away esp if they are acting ...
Pet Rat Dying with Tumor5/30/2010
  Q: Again, Dewey, my beloved rat is sick. Since I wrote you last, about the spinning, she has developed ...
  A: I love the photo. May I publish it on my website, Sandyscrittercity.com? I am so sorry she passed. ...
My rat has a lump5/30/2010
  Q: i have recently found a small lump underneath my female rats chin, lucy.She is roughly 8 mounths. ...
  A: There is no need to have rats die from tumors esp when they are this young. Is this lump on her chin ...
Rat death5/29/2010
  Q: I have asked you a question or two before about my elderly rat with a tumor and was pleased with the ...
  A: Its really hard to say without checking her, but there are a few things that cause sudden death. ...
vibramycin for sneezing5/29/2010
  Q: You've given me excellent advice in the past. This is the first time I've written to you about ...
  A: Check out my website, sandyscrittercity.com and go over the page on mycoplasmosis. You will get a ...
Squeaker the Energizer Rat and Too Much Poryphin5/28/2010
  Q: So Squeaker, who just keeps on ticking, is 34 months old now: her fur has thinned considerably, her ...
  A: If she has an infection that is not going to respond to baytril (Strep is one of them that isnt ...
Pet Rat Dying with Tumor5/28/2010
  Q: Again, Dewey, my beloved rat is sick. Since I wrote you last, about the spinning, she has developed ...
  A: I usually do not suggest this but if she is suffering, she needs put down. You need to maybe borrow ...
Swollen Lymph Nodes5/28/2010
  Q: I have two female rats that are approximately 15 months old. I just recently found a lump on both ...
  A: Dr. Leonard Donato Radnor Veterinary Hospital 112 North Aberdeen Avenue Wayne PA 19087 Phone: ...
losing fur!5/28/2010
  Q: first, I'd like to thank you for the great answers you've given me in the past. my last question was ...
  A: I am sorry for the loss of your other rat:( As for this one, it sounds like buck grease is the ...
rat dropping question5/27/2010
  Q: My husband and i recently adopted 2 new baby female rats. 3 days after they moved in, one of them ...
  A: Regal rat by oxbow is reserved for rats over 4 months. It usually says this on the package. I would ...
my male rats5/27/2010
  Q: I have two boys who are about 10 months old. One is shy and doesn't like to be picked up much, and ...
  A: Male rats!!!!! I LOVE having males and in fact, only keep males now mainly to avoid mammary tumors ...
Rat with "weak" back legs5/27/2010
  Q: Have been reading your threads for a while now, and wondered if you could advise please? We have ...
  A: Sounds like he has the beginning stages of hind leg paralysis/weakness. This is due to compression ...
Rattie has allergy...?5/27/2010
  Q: hope you are well. I previously sent you a question regarding my little rattie girl thats started ...
  A: For starters, she should have been on the baytril for a full 30 days and she was under dosed....the ...
i am worried my rat is ill or dying5/27/2010
  Q: she is my first rat and i was given her by a stranger whos add i found on gumtree. i have had her ...
  A: You need to go to my site, sandyscrittercity.com right away and learn about rat ailments. I am ...
sick rattie5/27/2010
  Q: My little rattie, Juan Carlos is sick. I need help. I was out of town for a week, when I returned he ...
  A: No, I dont see them here at all. Keep in mind that your email does not come directly to me. They are ...
Rattie has allergy...?5/27/2010
  Q: hope you are well. I previously sent you a question regarding my little rattie girl thats started ...
  A: Yikes, just two days on it the second time? WHY.....why do vets do this? This is a fine way to ...
Thankyou for your advice over the last 3 years5/26/2010
  Q: I now have no ratties :-( and don't think I will be getting anymore. I know how much love and ...
  A: Yes please, send them. I am so so sorry you wont be keeping rats any more! I found myself without ...
Pet rats and mites5/26/2010
  Q: What can i buy to help my pet rats to stop itching.
  A: Revolution, which is found at the vets. You will need to purchase the formula in the mauve colored ...
Bio-catolet5/26/2010
  Q: I was just wondering if Bio-catolet is safe to use as a base for my rats cage its for small animals ...
  A: With Seasonal Perfumes "Built In" Flea and Insect Deterrent - Another 1st Proven to be Extremely ...
Rattie has allergy...?5/26/2010
  Q: hope you are well. I previously sent you a question regarding my little rattie girl thats started ...
  A: Myco is found in the lining of the rats nasal passages so it only makes sense that there is some ...
RIP toffee5/26/2010
  Q: just to let you know I had my sweet little baby put to sleep this morning. Early this morning she ...
  A: Awww Vicky, tears are coming down my face. I feel like I knew her.....and you did make the right ...
my rats skin and tail5/25/2010
  Q: my rats tail has become dry and flaky, and his hair dull, and wirey. When I bathed her I noticed ...
  A: Is she itching? What kind of diet is she eating? Please check out sandyscrittercity.com and refer ...
Zithromax5/25/2010
  Q: First I have to thank you for your amazing website crittercity.com. It has been a real education for ...
  A: I am glad you have learned from my website. This is all I have ever wanted to do, was to educate rat ...
Grunting rat?5/25/2010
  Q: Recently I have noticed that one of my male rats makes this sort of low almost inaudible ...
  A: Your boy is not aggressive. He nips at those places just to taste and explore. Even a slightly ...
Is my pet rat depressed or sick?5/24/2010
  Q: Yesterday I went to Petsmart and bought a sweet, 3-month old female rattie friend(named her Summer) ...
  A: She is sick.....and I am sorry about not having a fast enough response. I had been out of town and ...
Mole or Tumor?5/23/2010
  Q: I have two male rats that are around a year and 8 months. After cleaning their cage today I gave ...
  A: Abscess. Clean it off with some hibiclens (walmart) and try to pick that scab off a bit. I bet my ...
poor breathing5/23/2010
  Q: my rat is about 1 yr old and she was the smallest out the litter recently her breathing has become ...
  A: Please refer to my website, sandyscrittercity.com and read up on the most common rat ailments. You ...
rat is bleeding, nose and eye5/23/2010
  Q: I have a baby rat, approx. 6 weeks old. My mom and I were transporting him from the pet store to ...
  A: How are you sure this is not porphyrin? When he fell, how did he land? You said there are no ...
Swollen Lymph Nodes5/23/2010
  Q: I have two female rats that are approximately 15 months old. I just recently found a lump on both ...
  A: Save your money and dont go back to this vet, ever. She is clueless. Your girls probably have ...
Discharge from the nose5/22/2010
  Q: They were prescribed Baytril and if the symptoms are still there in 10 days or i notice any change ...
  A: Your vet is WRONG to let you wait 10 days. Antibiotics work in 3 days. If he isnt better in 3 days ...
dehydrated elderly rat5/22/2010
  Q: My rat Sammy is 2 years and 10 months old. He has a large tumor (about the size of a small mandarin ...
  A: your old boy may have kidney disease. Try to offer him baby foods. Have you tried that at all? ...
dumbo rats5/22/2010
  Q: Well, I don't actually HAVE a rat yet, but I'm hoping to get a Dumbo rat soon... The only problem ...
  A: No, please do NOT USE a glass tank for your rats. You have alot to read up on rats and the best ...
Skinny Ratty!5/21/2010
  Q: I have two rats, Olivia and Euphemia. Euphie is of questionable age; we got her from a pet store and ...
  A: The diet may be poor. Please check out my website, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the page on ...
Tumor5/20/2010
  Q: Nikita is my two year old female rat. I just noticed a lump appear on her hind leg yesterday. I'm ...
  A: Your feeding a great diet, no need to change. Yes, tumors eventually become vascular and start to ...
Is My Rat Losing His Sight?5/19/2010
  Q: I live in a small town without many rat resources and own a rat named Keith Moon. He is almost two ...
  A: Sorry for the delay, I was out of town for a week and forgot to put myself on VACATION. Anyhow, I ...
weight loss and undescended testicle5/19/2010
  Q: I have a question about an older rat and one about a young one. Older Rat: He is 18 months old. He ...
  A: The baby very well could be a unilateral cryptorchid, with the second testicle not being full ...
22 mo. male sometimes rests with head hanging5/19/2010
  Q: Haven't written in a while, lol. My boy Dom has two issues: 1. I've caught him lying with his head ...
  A: Try using hibiclens which is found over the counter at Walmart. Put a capful of it a little ...
adopted rat with a head tilt.5/17/2010
  Q: I just adopted a rat from the pet store I work at. He had a terrible ear infection that resulted in ...
  A: One mistake that the vet made when treating the rat was not using anything for inflammation. Head ...
Rats5/16/2010
  Q: i have kept pet rats for over 10 years and i am at a loss of what to do with my 10week old male ...
  A: For starters, your rats were too young to take batyril. Second, 5 days on baytril is worthless. ...
weight loss and undescended testicle5/16/2010
  Q: I have a question about an older rat and one about a young one. Older Rat: He is 18 months old. He ...
  A: For starters, do NOT use those balls. You will scare your rat. Dont you have a safe place for your ...
Mammary Tumor. Vet recommended no removal.5/15/2010
  Q: I have a female, double rex named Autumn and a standard female named Allison, I adore them both. A ...
  A: VETERINARY MEDICINE & SURGERY MICHAEL HUTCHINSON - DVM, P.C. • 20411 Route 19, LaSalle Plaza, Unit ...
Elderly Rat with Pituitary Tumor5/15/2010
  Q: we have 7 rats at the moment. Our oldest girl, 3 yrs, has a pituitary tumor. She's still got a lot ...
  A: I would move her alone if she is going to hurt herself, but usually when a rat is like this they ...
Mammary Tumor. Vet recommended no removal.5/13/2010
  Q: I have a female, double rex named Autumn and a standard female named Allison, I adore them both. A ...
  A: You need another vet. Seems this one doesnt have your rats best interest in mind. Where are you ...
My Rat is or was pregnant!5/13/2010
  Q: OK so bought a female rat from my local pet store and about last week she got fat I mean really fat. ...
  A: Did you dig in the litter for the pups? Also, if the mother rat is unable to lactate, she will eat ...
overdose of ibuprofen in rats5/13/2010
  Q: am hoping you can help a little here. my little girl found an ibuprofen tablet and chewed half of ...
  A: It shouldnt make her sick in the first place. Normal dose for rats when they take ibuprofen is 60 ...
verletzung an einem Rattenfuß5/13/2010
  Q: Unsere kleines Rattenbaby (3 wochen alt) ist von einem 1 meter Tisch gesprungen . Jetzt blutet der ...
  A: TRANSLATED TO ENGLISH FOR OUR READERS THAT CANNOT UNDERSTAND GERMAN, LIKE ME!!! Our little baby rat ...
Rats5/12/2010
  Q: I have 2 female rats who are 2 years old,one of which has cancer and is not going to live much ...
  A: Once again, I dont believe nothing can be done. 80% of the vets out there that see rats have no clue ...
Wild Baby Rat5/12/2010
  Q: I am confronted with quite a dilemma thanks to my pet cats hunting skills. Yesterday after school i ...
  A: Oh boy....its so hard to keep them alive at this age, really it is. It takes alot of time and ...
Rats5/12/2010
  Q: I have 2 female rats who are 2 years old,one of which has cancer and is not going to live much ...
  A: Who told you your rat has cancer, Claire? I usually ask this because so many rat owners are ...
Is my 2 1/2 year old male rat dying?5/12/2010
  Q: Over the last week my Male rat, Mr Cotton has developed some worrying symptoms.... He has a ...
  A: I am very sorry for your loss. I would let the vet know, however, that your rat, at 2.5 yrs old, ...
Rat is blind and has a hard time settling down.5/11/2010
  Q: I have a rat named Sandy(one of three I bought from Petsmart, one of the others was her sister, she ...
  A: For starters, head swaying does not indicate blindness at all. Many rat care sites that are written ...
sick after eating5/10/2010
  Q: I have a male rat about 4 months old. He seems to always be sick in the morning and particularly ...
  A: My biggest concern now is to have him checked out for a mass in his abdomen that, when his stomach ...
rat under amp5/10/2010
  Q: Was run under my guitar amp and she won't come out I try moving it but she walks with is when I move ...
  A: Can you lay the amp face down and expose her? What you can do is take cardboard and wrap it around ...
hind leg paralysis in male rat5/9/2010
  Q: I was wondering if you would have any idea what is wrong with my rat. He is a 1 and 1/2 year old ...
  A: Please refer to my website, Sandyscrittercity.com, and refer to the page on hind leg paralysis which ...
Pet Rat Rolling (like alligator roll) Uncontrollably5/9/2010
  Q: This morning my girl, who is almost 2 years old, woke me up because she was rolling uncontrollably ...
  A: You must have missed this clinic when you were looking for vets for your rats: You are in a spot of ...
abscess in hairless?5/9/2010
  Q: my hairless male has two pus sacks located on either side just below his forelegs on the ribcage. ...
  A: Hairless rats are super prone to abscesses since they tend to get scratches easier than furred ...
Introducing two 8 week male rats to an older male5/9/2010
  Q: A few months ago one of my rats died due to an illness that was seen by a vet. He had a ...
  A: Honestly, its a good thing he did not attack the babies at all. Really. I expected him to go after ...
Pneumonia5/9/2010
  Q: I have a little boy rat who is very ill. My little Scout has always struggled with mycro since I ...
  A: Your vet did NOT do the right thing....no. There is so much more that can be down that wasnt done. ...
Sepsis in rats5/8/2010
  Q: Our pet rat, Lowe, is currently at Dr. Griffin's office near Charlotte, NC. It is believed he is ...
  A: Dr. Griffin is the best Vet in the South East. Your rat is in good hands. He was my rats Vet for ...
Pet Rat Rolling (like alligator roll) Uncontrollably5/8/2010
  Q: This morning my girl, who is almost 2 years old, woke me up because she was rolling uncontrollably ...
  A: For starters, I am so glad you didnt put your rat to sleep over an ear infection. You need a new ...
baby rat with sore on belly5/8/2010
  Q: My daughter found a baby rat at the pet store that is exactly what she wanted, a soft gray and ...
  A: You need to get that rat out of that place NOW! Rats do NOT GET WET TAIL. They have no clue what ...
RE:5/8/2010
  Q: We bought two pet rats from the same breeder and both were perfectly healthy we have had them for ...
  A: Sounds like they had respiratory related illnesses. Did you notice if they had problems at all, ...
bottom teeth5/8/2010
  Q: my girls are almost 3 months old and I wonder if the bottom teeth are normally longer than the top? ...
  A: Yes, they are usually longer! In fact, go to my website, sandyscrittercity.com and read up on rat ...
Male rat has suddenly lost the use of his hind legs5/8/2010
  Q: I have two seventeen-month old male rats. Tonight when I went to give them their dinner I noticed ...
  A: It sounds like a stroke. I am sorry this took so long to answer. Normally I answer the same day ...
Does my rat have Cardiomyopathy or could she just be getting old?5/8/2010
  Q: I was using this website: http://ratguide.com/health/cardiovascular/cardiomyopathy.php, some of the ...
  A: Check out my website, sandyscrittercity.com. Its a little different than the rat guide. Check out ...
large lump on lower abdomin5/8/2010
  Q: our pet rat has a large lump on her lower abdomen. she is not with any other rats and the lump ...
  A: Yes, this is a mammary tumor and needs removed. Its NOT cancer but can be a problem for her health. ...
Female Fancy; Central Nervous System issue; Cortisone treatment.5/7/2010
  Q: My female Fancy, Gerdy, hasn't been herself lately. Starting about 3 weeks ago, she was acting a bit ...
  A: You need a new Vet. Your rat sounds like she has a pituitary tumor. Please read my website, ...
My boys are dying5/7/2010
  Q: I was recently been given 2 friendly male rats that have since died, one was about 2 years old ...
  A: I am very sorry to hear about your loss. It seems to me that the boys were plaque from the start. ...
Ear Infection or worse???5/7/2010
  Q: Currently one of my 4 boys is sick and the vet didn't really give me a certain diagnosis. Fred is a ...
  A: Some males are just naturally aggressive, and thats that. Often it can be attributed to poor ...
Lump on my young Rat's Face5/7/2010
  Q: A week ago, I brought home a month and a half old female rat which I named Andromeda. I also got her ...
  A: I am hoping this is indeed an abscess or perhaps it can be related to her molars rather than being ...
Wheel tail5/6/2010
  Q: I got a new rat from a pet shop and noticed her tail is really curled, it loops over her back. I ...
  A: Since the tail is an extension of the vertebrae, this can be linked to back end. However, she may ...
Neutering older rat5/6/2010
  Q: I am wondering if it would be safe to neuter a 2.1 year old rat. I dont know if the risks are higher ...
  A: 2 years old is not really that old...but I would opt to spay the female for many reasons, mainly to ...
My rats suddenly turned aggressive5/5/2010
  Q: I have a 2 year old male rat, who used to have a 3 year old brother who recently passed away on us. ...
  A: Your boy isnt suddenly aggressive. He lost his cage mate, which causes stress from mourning. You ...
Ear Infection or worse???5/4/2010
  Q: Currently one of my 4 boys is sick and the vet didn't really give me a certain diagnosis. Fred is a ...
  A: Please check out my website, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the page on both pituitary tumors ...
How can I comfort my rat while she's in pain?5/4/2010
  Q: I have a 2 year old rat named Squeaky. I noticed yesterday that she was leaking a foul smelling ...
  A: She needs an emergency spay. She probably has open pyometra. This is very painful. You really cant ...
Rat5/4/2010
  Q: I got a female pet rat for Christmas I've only had her for a few months but i love her dearly. Her ...
  A: Please read my website, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the page on tumors so you can better ...
Rat vets in South Africa5/3/2010
  Q: You very kindly helped me to understand the loss of my rat, Reggie, in January this year. I was ...
  A: http://www.birdandexotic.co.za/index.php Check out the place above. I am not sure where exactly it ...
My near 3 year old rat now has 5 tumors5/2/2010
  Q: I spoke to another vet recently and he said they were definatly mammory tumors and most likely ...
  A: Your doing a good job caring for your old girl. Please read on my website, sandyscrittercity.com and ...
Wandas lump has returned5/2/2010
  Q: We have spoken many times. I'm from the UK and have just one rat left now, a doe called Wanda who I ...
  A: I LOVE the photos, esp the one with you and her. May I post these on my Critter City site? Also, ...
Rats/Tea Tree Oil5/1/2010
  Q: My rats have mites I used the Tea Tree Oil and water solution like I was told to do but now my rats ...
  A: Who told you to use this? I cant begin to tell you what they are going through because I have no ...
Wandas lump has returned5/1/2010
  Q: We have spoken many times. I'm from the UK and have just one rat left now, a doe called Wanda who I ...
  A: I am sorry to here that. I would not operate on her, either. Shes just too old and they will just ...
pet rat-blood from vagina4/30/2010
  Q: Our pet rat, who is 22mos. old, has been bleeding from her vagina for the past 2 days. Our vet saw ...
  A: Oh boy. Since when do you bleed vaginally from a urinary tract infection? Wow, I think you need a ...
Rat Vomit?4/30/2010
  Q: but I'm sure that my baby rat Cookie is sick. Lately, I haven't had any specific rat food for them, ...
  A: Just like humans cannot turn their head around 360 degrees, rats absolutely physically cannot vomit. ...
bulging eye.4/29/2010
  Q: my little albino girl, rubys left eye is bulging out and is triple the size of her right eye. it ...
  A: Small world. I was born and raised in the Youngstown area before moving to Charlotte NC in 1997. I ...
Toffee to be put to sleep continued...4/29/2010
  Q: I will tell the vet to anesthetise her fully when time comes. She still has got that sparkle in her ...
  A: My boy, Smudge was like that and so was Holly. They found a way to propel around, dragging their ...
Swelling around the genitals in a female rat4/29/2010
  Q: I keep two female rats, both about 18 months old. One of my girls has developed swelling around her ...
  A: Its more than likely infection. Just recently I had a reader write in who had a female with ...
Mammary Tumor?4/29/2010
  Q: My female rat Domino is a little over one and a half years old. About three months ago I discovered ...
  A: That is absolutely, 100% without a doubt in my mind a bonafide, certified, petrified (ok well that ...
mycro/allergy/monkey noises4/28/2010
  Q: one of our rats, Iggy started making funny noises on Sunday (today is Tues) it started after being ...
  A: You boy has the first phase of myco. I hope he was given antibiotics. His nasal passages are ...
Wandas lump has returned4/28/2010
  Q: We have spoken many times. I'm from the UK and have just one rat left now, a doe called Wanda who I ...
  A: Ack!! I hate these tumors with a passion! All I can say is this: Each rat is different, but an ...
My pet rat is not herself4/28/2010
  Q: My daughter Mia has a pet rat and we have come home to find that the rat is roling around and is not ...
  A: She needs a vet. She has an inner ear infection that is causing her to be off balance. Please let ...
re: Respiratory Distress4/27/2010
  Q: I took all three of my rats in this morning to Dublin Animal Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO. When ...
  A: Oh good good! At first I rolled my eyes too.....I hate when people think they need to keep the rats ...
bulging eye.4/27/2010
  Q: my little albino girl, rubys left eye is bulging out and is triple the size of her right eye. it ...
  A: She may have an abscess behind that eye. As for the vet, a general vet knows nothing about rats. ...
mother rat4/27/2010
  Q: I am mortified to even have to ask you this but I made a horrible mistake which turned into an even ...
  A: there is a chance the stress caused her to stop lactating. Mothers dont eat their babies for no ...
Is my 2 1/2 year old male rat dying?4/27/2010
  Q: Over the last week my Male rat, Mr Cotton has developed some worrying symptoms.... He has a ...
  A: Has he seen a Vet???? Please look over my website, sandyscrittercity.com so you can learn about ...
Respiratory Distress4/26/2010
  Q: I have a 9-10 month old rat who has been suffering some respiratory distress. He and his two ...
  A: Dr. Jerry Labonde Homestead small animal and Exotic Animal Hospital 6900 South Holly Circle ...
Rat is weak and has no energy4/26/2010
  Q: My rattie is about 1 year old. 3 days ago i noticed she doesnt come to greet me when i open the cage ...
  A: Is she able to use her front paws when she grooms or grasps food? Try feeding her baby foods, see if ...
Respiratory Distress4/26/2010
  Q: I have a 9-10 month old rat who has been suffering some respiratory distress. He and his two ...
  A: Oh my, this is not good at all. For starters, the vet has not treated him properly, which is no ...
my rats foot4/25/2010
  Q: my rat overnight has got a swollen foot (his back right). hes still eating, drinking and climbing ...
  A: Check out my website right away to read up about this. Sandyscrittercity.com. Refer to the page on ...
Hairless rat eye problem4/25/2010
  Q: I have recently adopted 3 wonderful hairless males (3 months old).They appear very healthy and ...
  A: This is known as porphyrin discharge. Often a new rat owner will mistake this as blood, but its ...
Question about sick rat4/25/2010
  Q: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Pet-Rats-3537/2009/9/sick-rat-43.html I read that question and the ...
  A: The link you provided does not take me to any specific message, just a page with all of my ...
Putting Toffee to sleep :-(4/24/2010
  Q: Im so sad :-( I wish she would understand that i was trying to do the best for her. She didnt bite ...
  A: YOU FORCE THEM TO PUT HER UNDER TOTAL AND FULL ANESTHESIA!!!!!! I hated to use all CAPS like that, ...
Ivomec / Pet Death4/23/2010
  Q: Our beloved Pet Rat Leo died this morning. He had just gone through his second shot of ivomec on ...
  A: I am so sorry for your loss. We always want closure, especially when we lose our rats so suddenly. ...
To put Toffee to sleep???4/22/2010
  Q: hope your well? Well it's not great news. My poor little baby has grown really old over the last few ...
  A: Oh Vicky :( I feel like I know Toffee....I have heard about her for a few years now, watching her ...
lump on my female rat's tummy4/22/2010
  Q: I have a two year old female rat. Just last week, I noticed a lump about the size of a large grape ...
  A: Please refer to my website, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the page on tumors. Female rats ...
teary eyes4/21/2010
  Q: I have had two female pet rats (Blue and Taupe) for about three months now. They are almost the same ...
  A: Do me a favor and look over my website, Sandyscrittercity.com. Refer to the page "bloody eyes and ...
mycro/allergy/monkey noises4/20/2010
  Q: one of our rats, Iggy started making funny noises on Sunday (today is Tues) it started after being ...
  A: Sometimes a good sneeze clears those noises up, but if not, I would get her to a vet for a months ...
My near 3 year old rat has 3 tumors4/20/2010
  Q: My female rat Splinter will be 3 in October. She has never had any health problem. I noticed for the ...
  A: For starters, there is absolutely no need to even think about putting your rat to sleep. Please dont ...
What is wrong with Zac?4/20/2010
  Q: In the last week my son's pet rat Zac (2yrs)began behaving odd. He will uncontrollably arch his ...
  A: Hmmm..... I wish I could say I knew about the green apples and the core etc....but I dont know. This ...
Rat not getting enough oxygen??4/20/2010
  Q: I know this is long, but i hope the details might help. A couple months ago, my rat's fur was almost ...
  A: Your vet needs to check his heart, yes. My first thought was heart disease. Please read ...
pet rats4/19/2010
  Q: ok im supposedly allergic to rats and i REALLY REALLY want one my friend said to talk to a doctor ...
  A: Try going to a pet store and holding the pet rats there, see how you feel before buying them. Hold ...
Rat fell. leaning, favoring back paw4/19/2010
  Q: We went out for the evening. When we returned we got our rats out. We noticed that 1 of our rats ...
  A: I was just thinking also that a stroke could have caused the fall and yes, rats can get a ...
Growth on rats tail4/19/2010
  Q: I just noticed my year and one month old female rat Roobee has a red/pinkish scab or growth on her ...
  A: I do need a picture so I can get a better idea. I have had many people come to me with questions on ...
The Incredible Healing Rat4/17/2010
  Q: About a month ago, I emailed you about my rattie, Squeaker, a now 33-month old female, who was ...
  A: This is all good news...... However much I would love to say this healing tumor is some miracle, I ...
my white rat4/17/2010
  Q: i hv a female rat {beruna} who has given babies. they are almost a week old everytime we leave her ...
  A: Who is the father of her babies? Do you know? Also, supervise her when you let her out of the cage ...
about to adopt pet rats4/17/2010
  Q: I am planning on adopting 2 female baby rats in the next 3 months for my daughter (and I) and have a ...
  A: I dont think you have found my site, sandyscrittercity.com! Please check it out. I have tons of ...
Rat Foot Injury4/17/2010
  Q: It's very swollen with open sores, and little bit of bleeding. Sores are mainly on his toes. I put a ...
  A: You may be stuck with him should he bond with you. Releasing a wild rat once they are imprinted ...
potty4/16/2010
  Q: okay, my girls (6 wks.old) keep wanting to potty in the corner that their water bottle is hanging ...
  A: Toss the rock. This is just talk among the rat groups, it doesnt do a bit of good but take up space. ...
paralyzed with respirtory infection4/14/2010
  Q: My rat Molly (about 1.5 years old) is sick. She appears to have a respiratory infection but that is ...
  A: Hmmm....I was hoping you wouldnt say that. This job gets upsetting...years of reading about sick ...
Tumor has darkened4/14/2010
  Q: My rat, Mr. Jingles has had a marble-size tumor just to the right of his penis for about 2 mos. ...
  A: Sounds like your rats tumor is now losing its blood supply and has turned necrotic. This is not ...
spinal joint disease4/13/2010
  Q: im writing to say that i have recently lost my pet rat to spinal joint disease i had to make the ...
  A: I am very sorry you had to put your little man to sleep. What was happening to him that led you to ...
Lily's Head Tilt4/13/2010
  Q: You have given me some wonderful advise in the past and thought you could help me with this too. My ...
  A: I would feel better if she was on another antibiotic. Rule of thumb is, if there is no response in ...
Decent rat vet in my area?4/13/2010
  Q: Can you recommend a good rat vet in my area? I noticed you told someone else that all you needed ...
  A: It could be heart disease too... check out my website, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to heart ...
Rowf the rat's declining health4/13/2010
  Q: and thanks for reading. My dear Rowf, which I got when he was less then 5 weeks old, seems to be ...
  A: Is it buck grease you see on him? Thats what I thought right off. Rats skin is tough, almost ...
pet rat4/13/2010
  Q: She has had a rough time since her cage mate died a month or so ago. She had a bad infection and was ...
  A: Any vet that lets you use ANY SPRAY around a rat is NOT qualified to treat them, not ever. Sprays ...
Rowf the rat's declining health4/13/2010
  Q: and thanks for reading. My dear Rowf, which I got when he was less then 5 weeks old, seems to be ...
  A: Forgive me for being so abrasive when it comes to Vets. I just get tons of readers writing to me ...
Decent rat vet in my area?4/12/2010
  Q: Can you recommend a good rat vet in my area? I noticed you told someone else that all you needed ...
  A: Dr. Alvin Atlas Riverview Animal Clinic 4640 Highway 280 South Birmingham AL 35242 Phone: ...
Rowf the rat's declining health4/12/2010
  Q: and thanks for reading. My dear Rowf, which I got when he was less then 5 weeks old, seems to be ...
  A: Well, I will try to be positive about this ok? First of all, there is a chance that your rat has ...
Patchwork Rats In Puberty4/12/2010
  Q: Couple months ago I got three male patchwork rats, Pinky LiLP and Oreo. LiLP and Oreo are from the ...
  A: According to the cage space calculator, the cage is big enough for 3 rats.... Now on to my story. ...
paralyzed with respirtory infection4/12/2010
  Q: My rat Molly (about 1.5 years old) is sick. She appears to have a respiratory infection but that is ...
  A: What kind of antibiotics was she given and for how long during her ear infection? I am almost ...
sudden fatal fight?4/12/2010
  Q: I had 2 female pet rats, approximately 4 months old. They were purchased from the same pet store ...
  A: I doubt that your rat died from the other rat. This is why I always suggest a necropsy. Vets ...
Do you think my rat is pregnant/ When will she have them?4/11/2010
  Q: I bought a rat from a breeder, she was supposed to be a male but it turned out it's a female which ...
  A: Some breeder not knowing the difference between male and female. The fact that the fur is missing ...
fearful or aggressive?4/11/2010
  Q: My male rattie, Timmy is about 6 months old and has always seemed extremely fearful towards me. ...
  A: Your doing the right thing.Keep in mind though that a scared rat often is aggressive mainly due to ...
Rat medications and where to find them?4/11/2010
  Q: I recieved a couple of female rats yesterday. The lady that I got them from claimed that there was ...
  A: Your already doing plenty by getting the girls out of that house and into yours. Thats the first ...
Bubble feet or Ring worm?4/10/2010
  Q: How do you tell the difference between bubble feet and ringworm? My pet rat Hopey has open round ...
  A: Check out my website, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the page on swollen foot/bumblefoot. Ring ...
Lily's Head Tilt4/9/2010
  Q: You have given me some wonderful advise in the past and thought you could help me with this too. My ...
  A: As you know, inner ear infections (Otitis media) are very common in pet rats mainly because ...
Air freshener!4/9/2010
  Q: My mum stupidly put an air freshener in the room with my rats in it though i told her that they are ...
  A: A sneeze is just like a sneeze you and I would make..you would know if it was a sneeze. I am sure ...
Growth on side of face?4/9/2010
  Q: My dumbo rat (male, age unknown) developed a growth on the side of his cheek a couple of weeks ago. ...
  A: Please go to my website at sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the page TUMOR ON SIDE OF FACE. Let ...
Nicodemus Update4/9/2010
  Q: I tried to reply to the recent post but said that there were too many replies so I am sending this ...
  A: I knew it was infection the second I saw it. Necrosis is dead tissue. This tissue became infected, ...
Rat is losing weight.4/9/2010
  Q: I got my rat, Tasha, about half a year ago with her sister, Sandy. I also have a third rat I got ...
  A: It could be chronic myco. How long was she on medication for? Of sje was not treated properly, she ...
Rats hind legs/broken pelvis4/8/2010
  Q: My rat got caught by a dog and bitten down on (no puncture wounds). I took her to the vet ...
  A: Thats fine that your not worried about the vets credentials. I would be if my rat wasnt given ...
weining babies/ biting mama4/8/2010
  Q: we got 2 female rattys (snowball %26 shadow) about 4 weeks ago. when we got them (we did not know ...
  A: Mom will chill out once the babies get a bit older. Put on some oven mits and remove mom to another ...
Rats hind legs/broken pelvis4/8/2010
  Q: My rat got caught by a dog and bitten down on (no puncture wounds). I took her to the vet ...
  A: There is no such Vet that specializes in rats. If that is what he told you, he is providing false ...
Rats hind legs/broken pelvis4/8/2010
  Q: My rat got caught by a dog and bitten down on (no puncture wounds). I took her to the vet ...
  A: DO NOT put this rat to sleep if she is eating etc....and if she isnt using her hind legs this is NOT ...
introducing rat, possibly prefers to be alone?4/7/2010
  Q: A while ago, my pet rat Alessa lost her cage mate to cancer. Alessa is currently a little over 2. I ...
  A: Some rats do prefer to be alone. We all think that since they are social animals that they must be ...
My poor rat4/7/2010
  Q: My rat is bleeding from her vagina and stumbling around oh and she drinks A LOT of water!!!!NOT ...
  A: Dr. Shavonne Corbet Facility: Mountain View Veterinary Hospital Seen: Not Specified Address: ...
Tumor or Abcess?4/6/2010
  Q: This is Sprinkles again, if you remember me asking before. Last time I asked this lump was very ...
  A: Its a tumor, not an abscess. She really would be ok once it was removed. Poor little thing. I am ...
follow up ARCHIE submit 10/31/104/6/2010
  Q: Archie is 1 yr old male/diet 3-4 rat blocks plus raw-oats,fresh vegs and fruit daily. lives by ...
  A: That mass should bee checked via an X ray. We need to know if there is a mass or an intestinal ...
Lucy4/6/2010
  Q: Hey Sandra! Hope this finds you well. I was wondering if you could help me. I've decided to breed my ...
  A: Who told you that your rat is myco resistant? Perhaps you meant to say that your rat never showed ...
My poor rat4/5/2010
  Q: My rat is bleeding from her vagina and stumbling around oh and she drinks A LOT of water!!!!NOT ...
  A: She needs a vet NOW.....she has an infection and the stumbling is an indicator she is very weak and ...
poorly rattie4/5/2010
  Q: i have two pet rats and one of them has been ill for quite some time now. It all started with her ...
  A: Can she use her front paws to grasp food? What medication are they using on your girl? Please ...
why is my pet rat hoarding food and turning super aggressive4/5/2010
  Q: I have 2 female dumbo rats, Sweet pea, who is blue and white, and Angel who is white. Recently Angel ...
  A: Check out my website, sandyscrittercity.com and read up on working with shy and biting rats. It ...
Squinty eyes, one eye closed4/5/2010
  Q: I'm new to rats, and adopted my first pet rat through craig's list from someone who was allergic. I ...
  A: Your rat probably had pneumonia caused by a nasty pneumococcus (also known as the deadly Strep ...
lump on rats near right leg4/4/2010
  Q: my rat seems fine but has a large lump on his belly near her right foot im concerned any thoughts on ...
  A: Probably a mammary tumor. He needs to have it removed which can be done by a qualified vet. Refer ...
Sick Ratty4/4/2010
  Q: I was recently caring for a rat over the weekend. He's a hairless that isn't any older than 6 ...
  A: He needs a better vet, this I know. Also, please check out my website, Sandyscrittercity.com to go ...
why is my pet rat hoarding food and turning super aggressive4/4/2010
  Q: I have 2 female dumbo rats, Sweet pea, who is blue and white, and Angel who is white. Recently Angel ...
  A: Obviously something has occured that is causing a major disruption to her life. It could be illness ...
Help on rat issue4/4/2010
  Q: I own two rats which live in a decent sized cage and are pretty happy with life. But one of them I'm ...
  A: Ari I am a bit worried about this....please refer to my website, sandydscrittercity.com and refer ...
Blue rat tail?!4/3/2010
  Q: I took one of my 3-month old male rats out and noticed he has blue-ish spots on his tail. they are ...
  A: Oh my, this doesnt look good. I would make an appt. for MONDAY if you can....you may need to drive ...
Blue rat tail?!4/3/2010
  Q: I took one of my 3-month old male rats out and noticed he has blue-ish spots on his tail. they are ...
  A: Is there a way to attach a photo here for our follow up? You can attach it here by following the ...
tail injury4/3/2010
  Q: My rat had an accident when I was away from home yesterday. My roommate let her out to play and ...
  A: Dr. Barbara Oglesbee Facility: Capital Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center Exotics seem ...
tail injury4/2/2010
  Q: My rat had an accident when I was away from home yesterday. My roommate let her out to play and ...
  A: She was degloved. This is a pretty painful injury and it can be brutal enough that the vet has to ...
pet rat death4/2/2010
  Q: My dear pet rat Ratoi has just died. He's been ill for along time with a breathing difficulty. He ...
  A: I am very sorry you lost Ratoi. He is at peace now and no longer is he suffering. As for the ...
Rats swollen feet4/1/2010
  Q: My rat, last of 4, he is the one that still is alive, all of a sudden got with a very BIG leg, ...
  A: Sad sad sad how Vets outside of the US are clueless about rats. Just sad. rats can take EVERY DRUG ...
Not lung tumors at least4/1/2010
  Q: Been writing you about my boy Burt. Was diagnosed with lung tumors, given 2 weeks to live. It's been ...
  A: He was adorable. I LOVE black rats to begin with, but dumbo black rat? To die for! My boy Bo was a ...
follow up question about SuzyQ4/1/2010
  Q: I saw the woman you recommended. She was very nice. She declined surgery due to the nature of the ...
  A: I am sorry to hear that.... But you know what? Trust your heart...YOU WILL KNOW when its time to ...
Lung problems in rat4/1/2010
  Q: one of my rats (a 1 year old male named Pinky, 530 grams)had problems breathing last month. The vet ...
  A: Well for starters, your rat was not treated properly. Cipro is baytril, only for humans. HUmans ...
Elderly rat with reoccuring tumors4/1/2010
  Q: My Mr White has been having problems with reoccurring tumors on his right under arm:( We have had 3 ...
  A: Leave him be. He is at an age few rats live to see. You have done an excellent job with Mr.White to ...
I saved my rats life!4/1/2010
  Q: This isn't exactly a question more of trying to share an experience. My rats name is mini-me b-c he ...
  A: I am glad your rat is doing ok. Thats great news. The chance that he had a secondary infection ...
15 yr old girl and can't afford the vet to help her rat4/1/2010
  Q: Did she get the money to put her rat to sleep? If not I am willing to help her out. I had a rat that ...
  A: That is very very sweet of you to offer. To be honest, I would not know how to reach her again ...
litter training3/31/2010
  Q: i have finished reading and awnsered like you said. sorry but i have another question. how do you ...
  A: He will figure it out as time goes. They still can have accidents, though. If your rat goes both ...
Sick Ratty3/31/2010
  Q: My rat Archie is very ill. We do not know what is going in with him. He was fine this morning but ...
  A: There are many things I do not know about him in order to even make a guess at what is wrong. ...
Running away rat3/31/2010
  Q: I have a male rat who is about 6 months old. He is very sweet and he used to be snuggly and calm ...
  A: No, rats want to explore and thats all there is to it. They need a place of their own. Your right to ...
How long on high-dose Baytril3/30/2010
  Q: I just want to make sure... get a second opinion: The vet discovered something in Flurry mouth, like ...
  A: Rats can actually take baytril for life, for example, in cases like chronic mycoplasmosis pulmonis ...
poorly rat3/30/2010
  Q: I have 3 little ratties, girls, they are 20 months old but one of them recently has become slow and ...
  A: The lice are from her immune system being weak. Often, sick rats are easily over taken by lice and ...
Rescued feeder rat3/30/2010
  Q: My fiance and I have a beautiful red tail boa, Sheeva. Recently, a neighbor who is less educated on ...
  A: Most pet rats ARE feeder rats. I am SO glad you feed your beautiful boa humanely killed frozen ...
rat socializing3/29/2010
  Q: i have a question about when we get our pet rats. you see we are planning on getting two and we were ...
  A: You can touch them, just never force yourself on them. Check out my website, sandyscritterciy.com ...
Infected tail3/29/2010
  Q: I have a one year old rat that up until about two weeks ago has always been healthy. Recently I ...
  A: This needs attention by a Vet immediately. If not, your rat may lose his life, if not, the tail for ...
Infected tail3/29/2010
  Q: I have a one year old rat that up until about two weeks ago has always been healthy. Recently I ...
  A: Dont mess with the tail. It has a direct link to the rats spinal cord and can quickly turn into ...
Rat lung tumor possible3/28/2010
  Q: Rufus, my girlfriends pet dumbo rat, started getting "lazy" less than a week ago & was brought to ...
  A: Well you can cut him open, thats not an option. Lung tumors on rats are inoperable. However, how ...
Not fitting the symptoms, not getting better3/28/2010
  Q: My roommate and I saved a psychology lab rat from our university and named him Ivan. We aren't ...
  A: I am sorry for the delay....have been fighting some health problems of my own. Sounds like a few ...
Ill Rat3/28/2010
  Q: One of my girls is about 1.5 years old and in the beginning of Oct she had some trouble breathing, ...
  A: Raleigh? Well...guess what? Your one lucky girl!! You actually have access to one of the TOP ...
rat wound won't heal3/28/2010
  Q: My rat has a wound on the side of her body (about a pea size) that is not healing. She's had it for ...
  A: Can you please take a photo of this for me? Also, has blood work been done to test her immune ...
mites/lice?3/27/2010
  Q: I have a 5 month old male rat that lives w/ 2 others a month younger. Wilbur has had sores on his ...
  A: It may be a fungal infection....try buying any generic anti-fungal cream and apply thin layers three ...
Post Op Concerns Follow Up3/26/2010
  Q: We have a 32-month old female rattie, Squeaker. Squeaker's sister, Mouse, who just passed last ...
  A: One reason I always say that risks increase with age is because of poor healing and chance of ...
pet rat3/25/2010
  Q: I purchased a couple of rats from private owned pet shop. One of my rats passed away about two ...
  A: Yes Cigarette smoke can indeed cause serious health problems as fast as just being exposed for two ...
Rat. Gelatinous secretion from penis3/25/2010
  Q: Our rat 'active rat' - about 2 years 2 months old - overweight I'm afraid (.75 kg) otherwise healthy ...
  A: Please go private. I have extensive experience with cardiac disease and rats. Your rat may have ...
Post Op Concerns3/25/2010
  Q: We have a 32-month old female rattie, Squeaker. Squeaker's sister, Mouse, who just passed last ...
  A: Yep, your right, I spelled it wrong...nothing new. LOL Its safe to use on rats, as alot of human ...
Post Op Concerns3/24/2010
  Q: We have a 32-month old female rattie, Squeaker. Squeaker's sister, Mouse, who just passed last ...
  A: I do agree with your vet, its not worth putting her through the stress of sewing her up again. To be ...
Aggression3/24/2010
  Q: I had a benign mammary tumor removed from one of my female rats a few weeks ago. Approximately 2 ...
  A: I answered this and it came back to me...not sure why but here I am, answering again. Hopefully this ...
Possible tear duct infection3/24/2010
  Q: I have a 2 1/2 yr old rat. He is very happy and content even at his old age. He is partially blind. ...
  A: I am so sorry for the delay. I feel like a broken record telling my readers that I have been out ...
My rat is making chirping noises...3/24/2010
  Q: I've noticed that every now and then, my rat makes chirping noises. These noises can last from a few ...
  A: Does he also have spasmodic type movements during the chirping? Sounds like hiccups more than a ...
Revolution for Rats3/23/2010
  Q: Our rat Lucky has mites. We bought a box of Revolution (Kitten/Puppy Strength) for him. It comes ...
  A: No baths, do not repeat for 3 weeks no matter what. It wont work overnight, because we dont know how ...
sick rat3/23/2010
  Q: my hairless rat calypso became very lethargic all of a sudden had goosbumps and could barley stand ...
  A: She needs to be on a better diet, less hard food. Check out my website for recipes on proper diet ...
Skin issues?3/22/2010
  Q: I have three rats, the middle aged one seems to be suffering from skin issues. I did my best to ...
  A: Well, I cant say its NOT mites, but yes, if it is she will need a Vet to treat her. Just becareful ...
Skin issues?3/22/2010
  Q: I have three rats, the middle aged one seems to be suffering from skin issues. I did my best to ...
  A: Please refer to my website, Sandyscrittercity.com. Go to the page on proper diet. You need to toss ...
Not lung tumors at least3/22/2010
  Q: Been writing you about my boy Burt. Was diagnosed with lung tumors, given 2 weeks to live. It's been ...
  A: I am so sad. I cried when I read this. I get a little attached to many of the cases I follow...even ...
How long before using Revolution after Ivermectin?3/22/2010
  Q: Two of our five boys (ranging 7 months, to 1 year 10 months) recently began showing signs of a mite ...
  A: Nah, I wouldn't worry much about the ivermectin paste you used, to be honest. My boss cringed when ...
my ratty has a lump under her armpit n i cant affored surgery3/22/2010
  Q: I have 6 dumbo eared rats and i have been very lucky that for a year all have them have been very ...
  A: I get sooooooooo many letters like yours and its heart breaking. I used to say "If you cant afford ...
paralyzed and swollen feet3/21/2010
  Q: My daughter's 2.5 year old female is not doing well. Background - she has a mamory tumor about the ...
  A: Please let me know what the situation is now. I am so sorry I just now got to this. I have been ...
Pet rats traveling3/21/2010
  Q: We are planning a road trip from california to minnesota. I want to bring our rats with us because ...
  A: I br ing my rats with me all the time. However, an aquarium is not a good idea. What you can buy ...
pink stuff from mouth.3/21/2010
  Q: hey, i own 3 male fancy rats, and often when eating their dinner they appear to choke, after a few ...
  A: What kind of food do they eat? I want you to use baby food and nothing else for the next few days. ...
Change in personality3/21/2010
  Q: I am an avid rat enthusiast and i own quite a few rats at the moment. I've had a few of my males ...
  A: Great way to describe yourself! I always try to think of a way to describe to people what I do to ...
Petland3/21/2010
  Q: I am moving to St Catharines next week and stopped by the same pet store yesterday to inquire about ...
  A: I wish I could say something positive, but frankly I do not put any trust in pet stores regardless ...
hi there...just after advice for next time3/20/2010
  Q: ). Just last night my flatmate lost her beautiful pet rat to a sudden illness and hoping that you ...
  A: Sounds like he had a fast moving infection of the lungs, usually caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae ...
Rat Teeth Problems3/20/2010
  Q: My 1 and a half year old girl "Lucky Rat"has a bottom tooth growing in kinda croked from the other ...
  A: This sounds like malocclusion and means the jaw is not aligned properly. The vet will need to trim ...
follow up3/20/2010
  Q: I found out through the helpful technical people here that you can't send a file with an apostrophe, ...
  A: I would not subject him to anesthesia just because he is hyper....as long as he doesnt bite you and ...
red eyes rattie breathing troubles3/20/2010
  Q: hope you have been well?! Thanks for your help in the past. Unfortunately I am back with more ...
  A: Sorry for the delay, I had the misfortune of having food poisoning. I thought I was DYING! How ...
Rat killing another rat3/20/2010
  Q: My poor hysterical sister in law called me this morning. She and her son woke up to a grewsome ...
  A: Chances are the rat died from something else....heart related etc..but I doubt they killed her. ...
we've added a new rat to the family3/20/2010
  Q: When I got her yesterday she pooped in my hand and it had a reddish tint to the whole thing. I don't ...
  A: No, dont give her any kind of over the counter garbage or you will cause more harm than good. It ...
echinacea for rats3/19/2010
  Q: can I give my 5 week old baby rat (who only seems to sneeze when excited) echinacea? 1 drop once a ...
  A: Please check out my website, sandyscrittercity.com for info on litter training made easy. At this ...
tumor surgery3/19/2010
  Q: My pet rat Suzy Q has had two surgeries to remove two separate tumors. Now they have both grown ...
  A: If the Vet is skilled and has the proper implements needed for surgery on small mammals, it doesnt ...
my rat got attacked by my dog3/18/2010
  Q: my poor rat got attacked by my dog she wasn't bitten and there is not blood or wound will she be ...
  A: Try making her a safe play area. Check out my website, sandyscrittercity.com and go to the page ...
My rat has a fast growing mamary tumor.3/18/2010
  Q: I noticed my rat Donut had a tumor on the lower part of her belly about a week and a half or so ago ...
  A: Your friend is absolutely incorrect by saying nothing can be done for your rat. She is still ...
grieving rats3/18/2010
  Q: my wife and I have had rats for several years now. After our old rats passed away 2 years ago we ...
  A: I am so sorry for the delay. I had food poisoning and it was so bad I had to have an ambulance come ...
My rat can't move her head or arms! ):3/17/2010
  Q: I have had my fancy rat for over 2 years now and I've never brought her to the vet... When I first ...
  A: I am so sorry that this has happened. Please take and put her to sleep and do not let her suffer ...
Sudden shy alpha-rat3/17/2010
  Q: I have four male rats. Two of them are one year old (Schmie & Taboo), the other two about three ...
  A: Rats are cute, I love the photo! What is stronghold, btw? What you need to do is have a one on one ...
too high Baytril dose?3/17/2010
  Q: I don't know if you remember a while back i wrote you about and sent you pictures of my rat Flurry ...
  A: How much do they weigh? It does sound right.he is high end dosing..without going back to read this ...
Not lung tumors at least3/17/2010
  Q: Been writing you about my boy Burt. Was diagnosed with lung tumors, given 2 weeks to live. It's been ...
  A: Dont stop the lasix, If he has pneumonia, the lasix will help. Clavamox SUCKS if this is myco ...
My New Pet Rats3/17/2010
  Q: My male rat Pablo (I'm not sure what species he is) has been sneezing and scratching a lot. Also, he ...
  A: What diet does he eat? This sounds diet related. high protein can cause all sorts of skin problems ...
how old is my rat3/16/2010
  Q: i recently got a tan and white rat i am very protective of her and she does look young and she ...
  A: If you get her out of the glass tank and into a nice roomy wire cage, she should be fine. I cant ...
pet rat behavior3/16/2010
  Q: i am a first time rat owner for 2 weeks now.I love it one of the best pets I've ever owned but am ...
  A: Like I said, I was confused as to why you would worry about him getting down and running off, esp if ...
how old is my rat3/16/2010
  Q: i recently got a tan and white rat i am very protective of her and she does look young and she ...
  A: Can you take a photo of her? You said you dont want her to die young....I am not sure what that ...
pet rat behavior3/16/2010
  Q: i am a first time rat owner for 2 weeks now.I love it one of the best pets I've ever owned but am ...
  A: Well, I am going to assume your rat is going for your mouth and your daughters mouth beacause of ...
ringworm in rats....3/16/2010
  Q: My daughter recently got a pet rat from a kid at school who had to give it away. We have had it ...
  A: Chances are your kids got the ringworm from classmates at school. Rats are always the ones to blame ...
My pet rat, completely lost on what it could be.3/16/2010
  Q: I came here before asking a question about one of my pet rats. It's the same one, he is a male rate ...
  A: I am the owner of the site, Critter city, where you found the photos of the bumblefoot. As far as ...
my rat got attacked by my dog3/15/2010
  Q: my poor rat got attacked by my dog she wasn't bitten and there is not blood or wound will she be ...
  A: She is probably scared of the dog, and rightly so. Never trust a dog or cat or any animal that is ...
rat bedding3/14/2010
  Q: I see so much information these days about not using pine shavings as bedding and would like your ...
  A: Studies on research animals show dramatic changes in liver enzymes on animals kept on cedar and pine ...
Rat Tumor3/13/2010
  Q: This picture is of my rat, Sprinkles. She is about 5 months old and has sadly developed some sort of ...
  A: She is pretty young for this to be a mammary tumor, but it still can be. Nothing shocks me. Let ...
Post-Op Rat-Question about Pain3/12/2010
  Q: 'My sweet little rat had a mammary tumor removed yesterday and was spayed at the same time...she was ...
  A: Tell Dr. Clueless next time he needs to know how much medication to give a rat, ask a rat expert. ...
Post-Op Rat-Question about Pain3/12/2010
  Q: 'My sweet little rat had a mammary tumor removed yesterday and was spayed at the same time...she was ...
  A: Do not give her lupron if she was spayed. Lupron, although has been successful in some cases, can ...
Female rat not drinking water & sneezing3/12/2010
  Q: I just lost two of my pet rats ( I don't know what happened) but on the day they died they both were ...
  A: You need a new Vet, Farrin. All rats are born with mycoplasmosis, but it can cause ...
Pet Rat advice3/12/2010
  Q: um I've had my rat for about two years now. Recently her cage mate died. My rat was fine for a ...
  A: Its probably a bladder infection, and no, there is no home remedy for a bladder infection. She will ...
URGENT/ RAT DYING.. ASAP!!3/10/2010
  Q: I have 4 female Rats. One of the 2 oldest..Mingie has instantly fallen ill. She was running around ...
  A: What makes you think it was a stroke? How long has she been on metacam? trash that stuff before ...
My poor rat is NOT dying (thanks to you)3/10/2010
  Q: My families precious rat Sugar was diagnosed by our local vet with cancer in her Lymphnodes it ...
  A: You can contact the Virginia State board of Veterinary medicine and file a formal complaint. You ...
Mother rats3/9/2010
  Q: I have more questions about mother rats and their babies. Today, while trying to get Suzie, (the ...
  A: I think I already kind of answered you from last time....as far as care for the rats go. Are they ...
Case study's of Zymbal Gland tumor and body preservation3/9/2010
  Q: My female rat passed away this morning of a Zymbal Gland tumor. I'm trying to find out if their are ...
  A: Its possible that its genetic, and with rats especially. It is, however, more common in females ...
URGENT- rat with bottom teeth off a little3/9/2010
  Q: My Petey is 2 years old and last week I noticed that his lower jaw is off center a bit {teeth are ...
  A: Dr. Jennifer Bloss Brook-Falls Veterinary Hospital and Exotic Care 14885 W. Lisbon Road ...
Lung tumor Follow-up: new x-rays3/9/2010
  Q: Surprise! Me again! lol My boy Burt was given two weeks to live because he had x-rays showing ...
  A: Well....it looks like your Vet has read the film upside down. After I looked over it and had a Vet ...
My new pet rat3/9/2010
  Q: I think she has what looks like nits and she's sneezing often. I don't know what to do about the ...
  A: Its probably lice like you thought, but you CANNOT use human meds on him or it will poison him to ...
What to feed a mother rat3/9/2010
  Q: My rat, Suzie, had 11 babies- unexpectedly- yesterday. I was wondering what I should feed her to ...
  A: Wow she is young for babies. I hate this for her. I figure she was purchased from a pet store and ...
Case study's of Zymbal Gland tumor and body preservation3/8/2010
  Q: My female rat passed away this morning of a Zymbal Gland tumor. I'm trying to find out if their are ...
  A: You can check with your vet about that, but I can pretty much tell you that, sadly, rats are the ...
Rat still lethargic weeks after illness3/8/2010
  Q: About three weeks ago my 13 month old male rat suddenly became lethargic and started squeaking a ...
  A: Please read my website, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the page on mycoplasmosis and properly ...
URGENT- rat with bottom teeth off a little3/8/2010
  Q: My Petey is 2 years old and last week I noticed that his lower jaw is off center a bit {teeth are ...
  A: You need a new vet. Petey has malocclusion and needs to have his teeth trimmed every few weeks. ...
Rat abscess or tumor3/8/2010
  Q: I have a male rat Jack who is about a year and half old. He had an tumor that the vet said had ...
  A: Can you take a photo of this for me? Also, here is what I have found as far as Vets go. Although ...
my rat T. J3/8/2010
  Q: I have just bought a dumbo rat. He looks like he is still very young. I got him from petsmart, for ...
  A: He has porphyrin discharge, so its not blood but it can still indicate illness, esp if its around ...
My rat is suddenly antisocial!3/7/2010
  Q: PLEASE HELP! My rat has suddenly become antisocial? I have a rat, and she used to be fun-loving, ...
  A: How long have you had her? She may be lonely, yes, but a lethargic rat that shows no interest in ...
euthanasia3/7/2010
  Q: Smurf lost balance, confined to base of cage, gradual deterioration over a month. Vet gave steroid ...
  A: No mention of the proper antibiotics? Why? Ear infections mock PTs. Ear infections are mostly ...
my rat T. J3/7/2010
  Q: I have just bought a dumbo rat. He looks like he is still very young. I got him from petsmart, for ...
  A: Sometimes new rats sneeze, but they shouldnt. It depends on the litter/bedding they were kept on, ...
Antibiotics for Rats3/7/2010
  Q: We have a dwarf rat (weighing in at .18 grams) that suddenly became lethargic and weak and wobbly. ...
  A: Yes, your vet did not treat him properly and when they are not put on antibiotics properly the ...
Possible Pituitary Tumor3/6/2010
  Q: My pet rat Imoen just had two growths removed and was tested for UTI which came up negative, but her ...
  A: I dont want to give you false hope. I have had luck with lupron and mammary tumors, but not with ...
Post castration surgery3/6/2010
  Q: I was wondering if you could put my mind at rest. I've had my boy castrated 3 days ago (due to ...
  A: Sounds like he is in pain. Please tell me he was given a pain medication and not just an ...
Possible Pituitary Tumor3/6/2010
  Q: My pet rat Imoen just had two growths removed and was tested for UTI which came up negative, but her ...
  A: I have had alot of experience with lupron (Have you read my website, sandyscrittercity.com on ...
Rat Breathing3/5/2010
  Q: I have a two and half year old female dumbo rat. Yesterday she began to exibit what seemed to me to ...
  A: Sometimes when a rat has an arrhythmia, it scares the rat because they dont know what is going on. ...
Lung tumor Follow-up: new x-rays3/5/2010
  Q: Surprise! Me again! lol My boy Burt was given two weeks to live because he had x-rays showing ...
  A: I have no experience using this drug, however, it is widely used for dogs with congestive heart ...
rat tail problem3/5/2010
  Q: My daughter has a pet rat we bought at a pet store a little over a year ago. I really don't know his ...
  A: He needs a good vet qualified in treating rats. This sounds like an infection. The rats tail ...
Sneezing baby3/5/2010
  Q: About a month ago I bought two baby rats as pets. I have friends with pet rats who helped make sure ...
  A: Please refer to my website, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to my page on myco. Not all sneezing is ...
Little pimple??3/5/2010
  Q: I read another question that seemed to be the same thing i have a furry rat and she has a little red ...
  A: Dr. Debbie White Lone Mountain Animal Hospital Exotic Pets Seen: 6688 W. Cheyenne Ave. Las ...
RE: Male rat has an abscess that won't go away3/4/2010
  Q: I'm not sure what to do for my sweet Wafer boy and would appreciate some advice. I'm not sure how ...
  A: Your right, your out FAR! The best places I have for you are over a 90 minute drive!!! In a way, ...
RE: Male rat has an abscess that won't go away3/4/2010
  Q: I'm not sure what to do for my sweet Wafer boy and would appreciate some advice. I'm not sure how ...
  A: I am so sorry this happened. Of all the rats I have had, I have only had one male with zymbals ...
paint fumes3/4/2010
  Q: Im thinking of painting my kitchen this year and was wondering as my rats are in my living room ...
  A: Are you using latex paint? It wont hurt them, but I would try to see if you can possibly put their ...
skiddish rat3/4/2010
  Q: I purchased two rats from a pet store several months ago. I was misinformed that they were two ...
  A: You can do a search on GOOGLE for rat rescues in your area. To be honest though, if you give him ...
Finding an Appropriate Vet3/3/2010
  Q: We have two rats that we purchased at a pet store in April. They have both become an integral part ...
  A: Dr. George Messenger Fisherville Animal Hospital 108 Fisherville Road Concord NH 03303 Phone: ...
White Mouse3/3/2010
  Q: Whenever i hold my rats they scratche me as they have big nails will i get plague or anyother ...
  A: Please dont listen to other people about these crazy myths. Your pet rats are not going to give you ...
upsidedown Twitch3/3/2010
  Q: I found out through the helpful technical people here that you can't send a file with an apostrophe, ...
  A: Meet your male rat, Twtich, which I think you already had a hunch that he is a he because of the ...
Rat vet3/3/2010
  Q: do you know of any good rat vets in Lacey or Olympia, Washington? I have been to Mountain View in ...
  A: There are no Certified exotic companion mammal specialist at Mountain View nor do they have any vets ...
Jerrys bald patch and cloudy eye3/3/2010
  Q: i hope you can help, my poor rat Jerry has has 2 bouts of Mycoplasmosis. He had Baytril over a ...
  A: No, Vets are not qualified to treat all animals. Its impossible for them to know and study every ...
loss of first rat3/2/2010
  Q: i just wanted to preface that i do not have a question. i just wanted to relate how heartbreaking ...
  A: I am so sorry for your loss. I know how it hurts. The bad part is, it hurts every time, the first ...
Lymphoma3/2/2010
  Q: It appears my 1yr 9mth old female rat has lymphoma. She had developed swelling in her cheek and neck ...
  A: The use of theophylline is unpredictable in patients with CHF. This creates the necessity for ...
Breeding My Rats.3/2/2010
  Q: I'm the proud owner or three rats at the moment, and I'm loveing every second of it! My two female ...
  A: You must be going to some very unprofessional sites if they are encouraging breeding at all. Do ...
my pet rats3/2/2010
  Q: Ok, so I've had my rats just about two months now. I bought them from Petco. I have no idea how old ...
  A: You need to read my website, Sandyscrittercity.com. Their diet is absolutely horrible and your ...
Jerrys bald patch and cloudy eye3/2/2010
  Q: i hope you can help, my poor rat Jerry has has 2 bouts of Mycoplasmosis. He had Baytril over a ...
  A: Is his head tilt gone? Were steroids used to treat this? This indicates inner ear infection. Is he ...
Rat Hernia!3/1/2010
  Q: I have a rat named Jasper. A few months ago he developed a hernia on his right leg. I took him to my ...
  A: The answer is pretty simple: You need a new vet fast. Go private and please let me know the ...
My Rats Abscess3/1/2010
  Q: I recently visited the vets about my rats abscess, I was told to give her a course of anti-biotic ...
  A: No it is perfectly find for her to do it herself. So many people write in and tell me that their ...
death from lupron?3/1/2010
  Q: Conti-Todd I have twice lost pet rats shortly following a lupron injection. In each case, the ...
  A: Was a necrospy done on the rat to determine if lupron was the cause? I would think if the rats had ...
owning a wild rat3/1/2010
  Q: I found your answer to Maree very interesting and enlightening. I have a cat who is a very ...
  A: He is awesome. He has A LONG way to go as far as growth. He looks to be around 2 months old, maybe ...
Rat nails3/1/2010
  Q: Is there a specific type of stone or brick that you would recommend to put in our cage to help wear ...
  A: I would use a regular nail file. I dont like putting things like that in the cage. Should the rat ...
A small lump3/1/2010
  Q: I just noticed a very small lump on the in between my rat's leg and testicles. It is still very ...
  A: It is so hard to give a price. I dont know where you live, if your in the US or the UK or Canada. I ...
My poor rat is dying3/1/2010
  Q: My families precious rat Sugar was diagnosed by our local vet with cancer in her Lymphnodes it ...
  A: I am recovering from food poisioning, which landed me in the emergency room. I have not been well ...
skiddish rat2/28/2010
  Q: I purchased two rats from a pet store several months ago. I was misinformed that they were two ...
  A: Dont try to pick him up, at all....not yet anyhow. He needs to trust you first which will take ...
shorty2/28/2010
  Q: I have a female hooded rat that is a little under a year old.I have noticed her chewing on her tail ...
  A: Just to let you know, rats do not have scales. A rats tail is covered in layers of thick skin and ...
relationship between groin abscess and hind quarters paralysis2/28/2010
  Q: I have a male rat who is 12 months old. He has previously had an abscess in his groin area. The ...
  A: It could still be infection in the bone possibly. The fact that he isnt lifting his tail tells a ...
Isa Followup2/28/2010
  Q: I had to ask a new question, but I just wanted you to know that I'm giving the vet a "to whom it may ...
  A: I am so sorry. I am absolutely SICK over this and this is something I have gone round and round and ...
owning a wild rat2/28/2010
  Q: I found your answer to Maree very interesting and enlightening. I have a cat who is a very ...
  A: I love your story! I had my own wild rat named Holly. She lived to be close to 4 years old. She was ...
My rat.2/27/2010
  Q: I got my rat yesterday. I got him from a previous owner who could not take care of him anymore. I ...
  A: No,it cannot hurt you a bit. There is nothing that rats carry that can hurt you and urinating on ...
My poor rat is dying2/27/2010
  Q: My families precious rat Sugar was diagnosed by our local vet with cancer in her Lymphnodes it ...
  A: Omg why dont you please find another vet? Please? Your rat has classic mammary tumors and they can ...
a big lump2/27/2010
  Q: my rat has a large bump on her two front legs.she is only 2 years and 2 months old.me and my brother ...
  A: She needs a vet, but ONLY a vet that knows what they are doing when it comes to rats. They are not ...
Isa Followup2/27/2010
  Q: I had to ask a new question, but I just wanted you to know that I'm giving the vet a "to whom it may ...
  A: This is NOT about your Vet, mind you. Most vets readily reach for metacam, not thinking of the ...
Tumor?2/27/2010
  Q: I have a 3 and a half year old female rat who has a tumor. I havnt taken her to the vet because they ...
  A: Honestly? I would not consider the surgery. She is too old, truthfully. I would not chance it. ...
Bloated! Should I take her to the Emergency Vet before Monday?2/27/2010
  Q: Isa is a female fancy rat, approx. 6 months old. She has always been very petite [but not abnormally ...
  A: I will never understand the use of Metacam in rats. it is a potent NSAID that is KNOWN to destroy ...
safe rat sedation2/27/2010
  Q: I have a pet rat that is not comfortable with being handled. He was originally bought as a feeder ...
  A: Rats can safely take (Diazepam) valium in liquid form. It would be safer than using isoflurane. To ...
rat addiction to eating plastic jugs2/26/2010
  Q: i have a rat which got free and ate the handle and some holes into the top of a la rge white ...
  A: If he swallowed it, it may cause some problems with his intestines. Did you find chewed up pieces ...
rat2/26/2010
  Q: I recently sent you a question regarding my young rat with a respiratory problem. I took him to the ...
  A: Is he still on antibiotics? Proper treatment of respiratory infection in rats means to be treated ...
Home-Treatments2/26/2010
  Q: I recently bought a new rat to accompany my other rat. Unfortunatly the new one, Luna, had a ...
  A: I do not like to suggest home treatments when it comes to respiratory disease as this only delays ...
Umm bleeding from the vagina but not pregnant2/26/2010
  Q: Hallo there, need a bit of advice. I have a wonderful pair of naked dumbo rats, both sisters and ...
  A: Any bleeding vaginally is a cause for concern. I am going to say the same thing you have been told: ...
rat sneezing2/26/2010
  Q: I have a female rat who is about 2 1/2 years old, maybe a little older. She has lived by herself ...
  A: Have you considered checking the credentials of your vet? It is getting worse and worse lately with ...
PET RATS2/25/2010
  Q: Our daughter was allowed to have 2 pet rats. She was to take care of them, and pay for their upkeep. ...
  A: I have three intact rats and they are litter box trained. They live in our Florida room (family ...
My rat keeps peeing2/25/2010
  Q: I have a 14 month old white albino rat who keeps peeing all over in small drops. Whenever he is ...
  A: This is common for an intact male to do. The reason they do it in the wild is to mark their turf ...
rats2/25/2010
  Q: hi i just got two rats they are about 1 year old they had a different owner before and i would like ...
  A: Rats dont like change, so this will take time. Do you know if they were mistreated or neglected in ...
rat fight2/25/2010
  Q: I got two hairless rats from the animal shelter. (both male) There were several, but i took only ...
  A: They are very very stressed, obviously, and you do not know what kind of life they had before, ...
rats2/24/2010
  Q: what would be the cause of death if a rat has blood around the genitals?
  A: Male or female? How old was the rat? Did the rat urinate frequently before its death? drink ...
Possible problem with heart or lungs2/24/2010
  Q: I wrote to you last weekend about Iggy, my 1 1/2 year old male who has been very healthy until about ...
  A: I agree with the rat rescue medicatin, but he needs to continue with the steroids as well. The ...
Lung tumor(s)? Follow-up2/24/2010
  Q: ANSWER: Fantastic!!!!! Do you mind if I use this photo and your instructions on how to build this ...
  A: Yes start the lasix again. If he truly needs the lasix, he may very well have heart disease esp if ...
vibravet paste2/24/2010
  Q: i have 2 pet rats ben and jacko. i got these rats last november from a breeder and they were 15 ...
  A: Any medication that expired is NOT good. It wont be strong any longer and will not work. Your vet ...
Arm shaking, generic shaking, sneezing2/24/2010
  Q: I bought two female hairless rats from Petsmart a few days ago, and they both seemed healthy enough, ...
  A: Your rat just had a seizure. Was she flinging her arms around like she was swatting flies, and ...
Male Rat Loosing Weight?2/24/2010
  Q: I am a proud owner of two male rats, around the age of 2 or 3 years old. Both rats were from the ...
  A: Are you keeping food down at all times for them to eat at their own leisure? At this age, yes, it ...
Bumblefoot infection2/24/2010
  Q: I did some google searching for some info on the bumblefoot infection my little has, and it is ...
  A: There is no way to really draw out the infection that I can think of in the form of medication. ...
Very Sick Rat2/23/2010
  Q: Over the past couple of months our pet rat, Lucy, has started exhibiting a variety of symptoms. ...
  A: I am very sorry for your loss. Do you have more rats at home? If you do, please check out my ...
Yuki-rat2/23/2010
  Q: I am a first time rat owner of two boys, Yuki and Itachi. I noticed that my usually very friendly ...
  A: Please turn him over and check his genital area. Is his penis sticking out and not covered beneath ...
Feeder Rats - more information2/23/2010
  Q: I just sent you a couple questions about our new pet rats (them being feeder rats, sneezing, etc.). ...
  A: Check out my website and go to the page I made with my boys on it. I have to update it now that ...
Feeder Rats2/23/2010
  Q: Me and my partner recently (yesterday!) bought a new pair of rats. This is our second couple, and I ...
  A: Your right, pet stores buy the rats from the same supplier (usually) and pick out the more unusual ...
Very Sick Rat2/23/2010
  Q: Over the past couple of months our pet rat, Lucy, has started exhibiting a variety of symptoms. ...
  A: What diet has she been on most of her life? It sounds like a skin allergy that is causing the ...
Yuki-rat2/23/2010
  Q: I am a first time rat owner of two boys, Yuki and Itachi. I noticed that my usually very friendly ...
  A: Oh my....I just had someone write me last week concerning her male and his genital area etc....and ...
URGENTdying rat!!!!!!!2/23/2010
  Q: I have an orphaned baby rat. He is a fuzzy. He is not going to the bathroom at all after feeding ...
  A: Did you call the numbers I gave you? There are many vets that will see your rat in San Diego and ...
Male rat has an abscess that won't go away2/22/2010
  Q: I'm not sure what to do for my sweet Wafer boy and would appreciate some advice. I'm not sure how ...
  A: Your vet obviously has little experience treating rats. I have a page on my website dedicated to ...
Dying rat?2/22/2010
  Q: My rat Bella is about 3 to 3 and a half years old (she was full grown when I got her in December, so ...
  A: Sounds like a tumor behind her eye for starters. What did the Vet say? I wish I would have had this ...
prolapsed uterus2/22/2010
  Q: Wednesday, February 17th 2010 12 pm. Hello Dr. Conti-Todd, My name is Alexandra and I have a one ...
  A: I am very sorry to hear that. She is still so young and could have another 2 years left to her ...
Lung tumor(s)? Follow-up2/22/2010
  Q: Sandra's Answer (so you know who I am!): Nebulize 15 minutes, 2-3 times a day, for 7 days with the ...
  A: Fantastic!!!!! Do you mind if I use this photo and your instructions on how to build this ...
a very fast growing lump on upper thigh more on the back2/22/2010
  Q: my rat is a female she is about a year and a half and a little while ago i saw a lump on her it grew ...
  A: Its hard to see fro the photo, but this doesnt seem to be in a place where mammary tissue is. Is ...
Should she see or not see?2/22/2010
  Q: I currently own two rats; sisters from the same litter. They are a year and a month old. One of ...
  A: How long was she treated the first time she had myco in October? She is so young yet to think about ...
Lung tumor(s)? Follow-up2/21/2010
  Q: Sandra's Answer (so you know who I am!): Nebulize 15 minutes, 2-3 times a day, for 7 days with the ...
  A: I know how this is.....oh do I know. I have been there so many times myself. Its a sick feeling you ...
Boys & girl together2/21/2010
  Q: First off, thanks for your wonderful website. I'm a first time rat owner and it was an awesome ...
  A: I am happy to be here for you and welcome to the world of rat owning. It has its ups and its downs. ...
URGENT (life or death)2/20/2010
  Q: I have an orphaned baby rat. He is a fuzzy. He is not going to the bathroom at all after feeding ...
  A: You do NOT message his belly, you must message his genital area. Please do this now. Wet your ...
URI-Pneumonia2/20/2010
  Q: I have some questions about my little rattie Meryl. First off, she is almost 2 years old now and has ...
  A: It sounds like she may indeed have pneumonia and the good news is, if she is responding within 2 ...
I think Itsy has Mycoplasmois2/19/2010
  Q: Itsy has been making a strange noise it sounds like clicking and clucking its horrible although its ...
  A: She has myco. This I am sure. Please try to get her on the right medication. I have seen rats ...
Rat Integration2/19/2010
  Q: I am having trouble introducing a new rat to a 1 year old. I had had two but unfortunately one ...
  A: Patience. Patience. Patience. Know how you had to wait forever for me to answer you (thank you for ...
im sorry to keep bothering you2/19/2010
  Q: im sorry to keep bothering you but this is new 2 me and i luv getting the info i need. but the ...
  A: Yes, forget the bath. Litter box train your rat for starters. Also, I line my cage floor with thick ...
Lung tumor(s)2/19/2010
  Q: First I want to thank you for correctly diagnosing my boy Dom's bumblefoot. Because of you I ...
  A: I am going to once again challenge the vet and suggest rather than tumors *yes, they are very rare ...
Help me please :(2/19/2010
  Q: My rat Noogie is about 1 1/2 yrs old he is quite skinny because of his age. But what is worrying me ...
  A: Your rat may be skinny because of his diet, although I am not going to rule out other disease ...
Help me please :(2/19/2010
  Q: My rat Noogie is about 1 1/2 yrs old he is quite skinny because of his age. But what is worrying me ...
  A: I am a bit worried about his diet in general. For starters, you are worried he is skinny because of ...
watery eye2/18/2010
  Q: I have a almost 2 month old hairless rat and she has a watering eye problem. She lives in a cage by ...
  A: It could be a scratched cornea or a corneal abrasion, or an infection. Your the second reader today ...
prolapsed uterus2/18/2010
  Q: Wednesday, February 17th 2010 12 pm. Hello Dr. Conti-Todd, My name is Alexandra and I have a one ...
  A: I hate to say this but this clinic is NOT an exotic animal clinic and not one Vet on staff is an ...
pet rat2/18/2010
  Q: Is it ok to give a pet rat some canned cat food? If so, what foods or treats are not suitable to ...
  A: No, I would not give your pet rat canned cat food at all. Your rat has certain dietary needs that ...
antibiotics not working2/18/2010
  Q: One of my rats has been on Doxycycline and Baytril for 12 weeks now. It helped at first, but he ...
  A: Rule of thumb: If antibiotics dont work within 3 days, its time to switch. Antibiotics work within ...
prolapsed uterus2/17/2010
  Q: Wednesday, February 17th 2010 12 pm. Hello Dr. Conti-Todd, My name is Alexandra and I have a one ...
  A: Your little girl will need spayed and this needs to be done as soon as possible. PLEASE allow me to ...
Bi-Odor: Correct dosage for rats?2/17/2010
  Q: I have three female rats that are seven months old. I bought the Bi-Odor for ferrets to add to my ...
  A: There is no correct dosage for rats. You have a rat, not a ferret. Please do NOT use this product ...
Pet Rats2/17/2010
  Q: I do have one other rat named Ziggy. He is much bigger than Stewart was and I'm guessing that means ...
  A: Just dont put the girls together with the boys are you will have one disaster on your hands! Also, ...
rat sneezing2/16/2010
  Q: I have a female rat who is about 2 1/2 years old, maybe a little older. She has lived by herself ...
  A: Baytril can be used with dairy and in fact, this is good to do since yogurt will replace any good ...
Pet Rats2/16/2010
  Q: I do have one other rat named Ziggy. He is much bigger than Stewart was and I'm guessing that means ...
  A: Please read my website, sandyscrittercity.com. Check out the page on proper diet because you need ...
My male rat with a suspected pituitory tumor.2/16/2010
  Q: Can a male rat loose the use of his front paws due to an ear infection? Or is this usually due to a ...
  A: Sometimes an ill rat will become too weak to hold and grasp food so the good news is, its not ...
my rats tail2/16/2010
  Q: hes in the cage now and hes very quiet and wont leave his tail alone im a bit worried and the vets ...
  A: Thats ok if you panicked. Its better to be safe than sorry. If the end seems black or dried up, ...
Bloated! Should I take her to the Emergency Vet before Monday?2/16/2010
  Q: Isa is a female fancy rat, approx. 6 months old. She has always been very petite [but not abnormally ...
  A: Ahhh....I was close when I said abscess. Pyometra as you know (in case others dont) is one nasty ...
rat sneezing2/16/2010
  Q: I have a female rat who is about 2 1/2 years old, maybe a little older. She has lived by herself ...
  A: When people write to me about their new rats that are sneezing and these are young rats, I tell them ...
My pet rat has an erecion.2/16/2010
  Q: My pet rat has had an erection for about 5 days now and I don't know what to do about it. It doesn't ...
  A: I am so sorry. I wish you would have written to me 5 days ago. Unfortunately your rat died ...
Aggressive Rat2/16/2010
  Q: I adopted a rat that was raised by a breeder (bred only for pets). He was sweet and good natured ...
  A: Puberty and hormone fluctuation can cause alot of problems with male rats when bred from a line with ...
rat illness2/15/2010
  Q: I recently got 2 young male rats, they were about 9 weeks when I had them. I have had them about a ...
  A: I can almost guarantee it is a respiratory problem and yes, you need to take him to the vet ASAP. ...
how to tell if your rat is happy or sad2/15/2010
  Q: I just got my rat yesterday (Amor) she is a great rat and I love her but I really need to know how I ...
  A: You must be a new rat owner! The best thing to do is read my website, Sandsycrittercity.com to ...
My pet rat has an erecion.2/15/2010
  Q: My pet rat has had an erection for about 5 days now and I don't know what to do about it. It doesn't ...
  A: Take your poor baby rat to the vet. He does not have an erection. He has a condition called ...
I think Itsy has Mycoplasmois2/15/2010
  Q: Itsy has been making a strange noise it sounds like clicking and clucking its horrible although its ...
  A: Are you in the UK? Why is the vet using a drug that is not going to do diddly for mycoplasmosis ...
Pet rat has lost outer skin of its tail.2/15/2010
  Q: I read another question related to rats having their tails degloved. I moved house yesterday and my ...
  A: Your rat needs veterinary attention immediately. Please do not hesitate to get her care today. I ...
Giving medicine2/14/2010
  Q: My rat was prescribed baytril oral to take for 5 days (0.3 ML twice a day, every 12 hrs). I had to ...
  A: Have you allowed them to play with each other during supervised play time? If so, how are they ...
I think Itsy has Mycoplasmois2/14/2010
  Q: Itsy has been making a strange noise it sounds like clicking and clucking its horrible although its ...
  A: Its best to begin treating myco right away. Dont worry about her losing trust in you....she will ...
Giving medicine2/14/2010
  Q: My rat was prescribed baytril oral to take for 5 days (0.3 ML twice a day, every 12 hrs). I had to ...
  A: Why is your rat on baytril for only 5 days? If its a respiratory infection, the only proper way to ...
Rats and exercise wheels.2/14/2010
  Q: I have two male rats, just shy of 6 months. They are my first rats, and I’m a little concerned they ...
  A: Honestly? Save your money. MOST rats dont use the wheel and if they do, they use it when they are ...
will tumor removal extend life2/13/2010
  Q: You've answered some of my questions in the past about my rats tumor. Its gotten huge now and is a ...
  A: Part of me wants to tell you to do it....I would even help with the vet, checking out his or her ...
Bloated! Should I take her to the Emergency Vet before Monday?2/13/2010
  Q: Isa is a female fancy rat, approx. 6 months old. She has always been very petite [but not abnormally ...
  A: Its hard to say what could be wrong. Bloating could be from her organs not working properly, esp ...
My rat's swollen foot2/13/2010
  Q: I noticed a couple of weeks ago that my rat Clyde was limping. His left hind leg was swollen and he ...
  A: Your rat has acute pododermatitis (bumble foot, acute form) just like my website states. It is one ...
Gadgets deterioration2/12/2010
  Q: I have written to you quite a few times concerning Gadget my Male Dumbo who is around 2 years old ...
  A: Where are you located? I can try to search a few of my databases for vets in the UK that are near ...
Gadgets deterioration2/12/2010
  Q: I have written to you quite a few times concerning Gadget my Male Dumbo who is around 2 years old ...
  A: Thats why I asked if he was able to grasp with his front paws. If it were an aneurysm, he would ...
Gadgets deterioration2/12/2010
  Q: I have written to you quite a few times concerning Gadget my Male Dumbo who is around 2 years old ...
  A: I am very sorry to hear this. Gadget is not very old, though, if he is just 2. Although a rat is ...
Sudden Death of both of my Pet Rats2/12/2010
  Q: Okay, so I have - well had as of a few hours ago I suppose, two pet rats, they were my babies, both ...
  A: Its very hard to answer this question other than based on an educated guess. Even before giving you ...
New Rat2/11/2010
  Q: I just bought a baby rat the other night. She had only been in the pet store for one day before I ...
  A: Welcome to the world of rats (again!) please look over my website, Sandyscrittercity.com and ...
Something wrong with my rat2/11/2010
  Q: One day we woke and saw him acting weird. He looked like if he was walking different. We picked him ...
  A: Your rat may have an inner ear infection. This throws his equilibrium off. Please read my ...
rat tail problems2/11/2010
  Q: I have a pet rat, about 1.5 years old, who has been having tail problems for the past few months. In ...
  A: Lisa Carr DVM Exotic Specialist 500 Perry Parkway Gaithersburg, MD 20877 Phone: 301-926-3300 ...
Oxygen for a Rat2/10/2010
  Q: My rattie has pneumonia, doing better now with Baytril. I spoke to my vet and he said a little ...
  A: Your best bet, as long as you will be keeping pet rats, is to purchase an oxygen ...
Wanda hind leg paralysis2/10/2010
  Q: I'm going to start getting on your nerves with all these questions! I have Wanda booked in to the ...
  A: You will have to get a cage that is only one story, period. This will discourage her climbing. ...
Veterinarians2/10/2010
  Q: I will be relocating to western South Dakota very soon and am looking for a veterinarian who treats ...
  A: I am not sure how close this place will be, but it is absolutely IDEAL for exotics/rats. I am hoping ...
will tumor removal extend life2/10/2010
  Q: You've answered some of my questions in the past about my rats tumor. Its gotten huge now and is a ...
  A: With female rats, removing tumors do extend their life, but they end up growing back again and ...
rat tail problems2/9/2010
  Q: I have a pet rat, about 1.5 years old, who has been having tail problems for the past few months. In ...
  A: It would help immensley if you could send a photo. You can attach here on the next follow up. As for ...
Hind End Degeneration in rats2/9/2010
  Q: I was told to contact you about a question regarding my rat. She is about 22 months old and has ...
  A: Just a bit of inflammation one day on the nerve root and thats all it takes. Dragging her tail ...
biting rat2/9/2010
  Q: i have 4 rats and one of my rats bits a lot. the other three don't bit hard they just test bite but ...
  A: Have you checked out my website, sandyscrittercity.com? If not, please check it out and refer to ...
Open tumour2/9/2010
  Q: About a month ago I noticed a lump on the side of my 2 year old female rat. I noticed on top of this ...
  A: Your message got buried behind others....I am so sorry I missed this. What your rat has is not ...
Open tumour2/9/2010
  Q: About a month ago I noticed a lump on the side of my 2 year old female rat. I noticed on top of this ...
  A: A rat that is suffering doesnt eat or groom herself. They do not care about anything at all, ...
Rat with possible tooth abscess2/8/2010
  Q: Over the weekend, my pet rat Ashe suddenly developed a swollen cheek, and I immediately set out to ...
  A: Before I get going on this, can you do me a favor and go to my website, Sandyscrittercity.com. ...
Sudden Blindness2/8/2010
  Q: My 28 month old rat appears to have lost all vision in the space of 6 hours. At 2PM today (am in UK) ...
  A: Shine a flashlight in her eyes. If the pupils respond, she is fine. Sudden blindness without ...
please help me2/8/2010
  Q: will you tell me if i should put my rat to sleep he has a tumor on his belly i am 13 and very ...
  A: You do not need to put your rat to sleep if he has a tumor on his belly. The Vet can remove it ...
Wanda possible pituitary tumor?2/8/2010
  Q: Wanda has gone downhill. She hasn't eaten any nuggets for 2 days now and usually eats lots of them ...
  A: I dont think its a PT to be honest. If she can use her forlimbs, chews ok, isnt spinning or walking ...
7 Baby wild rats2/8/2010
  Q: My friend was remodeling his home when he came across a rat nest with 7 babies in it(mom rat left ...
  A: Yes even if they bit you, nothing will happen. I promise. The only way for a mammal to contract ...
7 Baby wild rats2/7/2010
  Q: My friend was remodeling his home when he came across a rat nest with 7 babies in it(mom rat left ...
  A: Why not keep them? No I am not nuts....because chances are they will live a few months once ...
Wanda possible pituitary tumor?2/7/2010
  Q: Wanda has gone downhill. She hasn't eaten any nuggets for 2 days now and usually eats lots of them ...
  A: I am sorry to hear this. However, the tumor she had (the mammary tumor) would not have anything to ...
Rat Tail -- possible infection?2/7/2010
  Q: I have a 2yr., 9mo. old female rat who is in failing health due to her age. She has been growing a ...
  A: Yep, what you saw was an abscess. The black was necrotic tissue. Once removed, the pus was free to ...
A rat's tail2/6/2010
  Q: My sister's rat got his tail stuck and pulled it off-will he survive?
  A: He needs a vet immediately. He will die from sepsis which is a massive infection. It is also very ...
Rat Behavior2/6/2010
  Q: My husband and I adopted 2 female rats from a breeder several months ago. The girls were ...
  A: The Vet that said seizures in rats are rare is not really correct. In fact, they happen often and ...
Ratty colouring.2/6/2010
  Q: =D I wrote to you during Christmas bout my pinky who had some gas, he's fully grown now and has ...
  A: I am more into rats health than I am into the types of coats they have etc.. but I did have a ...
Poorly female rat.2/5/2010
  Q: We rescued a rat about a year ago, we have no idea how old she is. Recently we have noticed that she ...
  A: You have just mentioned five signs of illness: Weight loss Lethargy/ (acting dopey and moving ...
Rat Integration2/4/2010
  Q: We have four males(6 mths) and two females that don't get along (25 mths and unknown age) Because ...
  A: I dont advise putting the female with the males. Even though she is at the age where her estrus has ...
Pet Rat Cancer Tumor2/4/2010
  Q: I have a 2-year old male rat with a growing malignant tumor between the nose and one of the eyes. My ...
  A: I feel like a total dork! I swear I went to school but I think I slept right through geography. I ...
Pet Rat Cancer Tumor2/4/2010
  Q: I have a 2-year old male rat with a growing malignant tumor between the nose and one of the eyes. My ...
  A: Cancer is not contagious in humans nor in animals. If cancer was contagious, this world would be in ...
Vitamins for rats2/3/2010
  Q: I currently have two female rats, one five months and one thirteen months old. I have read that rats ...
  A: It sounds like your doing everything just fine now, and as long as they are getting a good diet, ...
Exotic Vet2/3/2010
  Q: I don't actually have a question at the moment, I just wanted to recommend an EXCELLENT exotic vet ...
  A: ! I always appreciate having a name of a good vet to tell others about that need one. However, I ...
Behaviour2/3/2010
  Q: I've got two girls, about six months old now and have had them since they were about six weeks old. ...
  A: Sounds like Pickle is trying to be the dominating rat. Even though females go in heat every 5 days, ...
rat genital question2/3/2010
  Q: I have 2 8 month old male rats. I read that as male rats age they are unable to clean their genitals ...
  A: If you notice they are always digging at their penis, or that they dont groom well and smell like ...
Wanda scared of her new mate and hind leg dragging2/2/2010
  Q: I've spoken to you many times about my ratties Wanda and Simba (Simba now sadly not with us). I live ...
  A: Hey So sorry for the delay. Gosh, I have been swamped with questions left and right and have ...
Toffee and her lump continued..2/2/2010
  Q: Turns out Toffees lump was an abscess. I wasnt going to take her in for her 4th tumour removal due ...
  A: Thats good news....but I do want to make you feel better and tell you that the vet wasnt meaning ...
Rat with Open Wound Post Surgery2/2/2010
  Q: My female rat had a tumour removed yesterday from just where her leg joins her body. I watched her ...
  A: The necrotic tissue is simply dead tissue...which means there is no blood flowing through to keep ...
open mammary tumor2/2/2010
  Q: Sandi!! Vet Hating again!! It's possible due to the location and thin skin there he had to use skin ...
  A: Do you know how many vets use narcotic pain medication on rats? You and maybe one other!! And ...
Sudden Death2/1/2010
  Q: on Friday of this week I bought 2 female baby rats from my local pet shop, on returning home I ...
  A: Sadly your rat died from respiratory failure due to more than likely pneumonia. If the pneumonia ...
Swollen rat testicle2/1/2010
  Q: I have a male rat with a swollen testicle. He is acting normal and looks fine but one of his ...
  A: Maybe....but I am still betting on it being an abscess. I have seen both though...but because of the ...
Itsy2/1/2010
  Q: I wrote to you a few days ago concerning Shy and timid Itsy we could not get her to come out of her ...
  A: its up! :) Go to my website, sandyscrittercity.com and go to the GETTING STARTED page to see the ...
2 Female rats fighting- drawing blood2/1/2010
  Q: I contacted you awhile ago about my female rat having a lump on her face, she passed away on the ...
  A: Keep them apart again and start all over again. This is not really common for females to fight like ...
2 rats, one sick and died, what to do?2/1/2010
  Q: I have recently purchased two female rats from Petco, and when I brought them home I noticed one of ...
  A: I have a very good friend that has a practice in Marietta GA. Is that super far from you? He is the ...
Bumblefoot medication2/1/2010
  Q: I noticed that a few of my rats are starting to develop small red bumps on their feet and I'm pretty ...
  A: How close are you to this place? Michael Weiss, DVM All Creatures Veterinary Care Center 352 ...
Swollen rat testicle1/31/2010
  Q: I have a male rat with a swollen testicle. He is acting normal and looks fine but one of his ...
  A: Sounds like he has either a testicular abscess or a testicular tumor. I would pretty much bet its an ...
new rats help1/31/2010
  Q: I have bought two new rats from a pet shop which I know is bad but I wasn't able to find a breeder ...
  A: Yes, the best way to get them to trust you is to let them get to know you first, never try to pick ...
Peanut butter issues1/31/2010
  Q: My rat, Gnarlia has eaten a small amount of peanut butter and i dont' know what to do. She is ...
  A: How is she acting? Is she gasping? Is she extending her neck out? Peanut butter is so dangerous for ...
Bumblefoot medication1/31/2010
  Q: I noticed that a few of my rats are starting to develop small red bumps on their feet and I'm pretty ...
  A: Please refer to my website below for info on treat bumblefoot: ...
How can I tell if my rat is Pregnant?1/31/2010
  Q: When I first got my rat she was a normal sized rat, her tummy was squishy..but she was in a tank ...
  A: Geeze your dang mail got lost in spam......hoping things are OK. The milk bands are like little ...
Rat with Open Wound Post Surgery1/30/2010
  Q: My female rat had a tumour removed yesterday from just where her leg joins her body. I watched her ...
  A: What is the vet talking about, there isnt enough skin for closure? How did he do it in the first ...
rats1/30/2010
  Q: they have now caused him to bleed.so i have took him away from the others.i do not cage my rats.not ...
  A: You have too many males together. I always suggest never keeping more than 3 to 4 intact males ...
rat1/30/2010
  Q: I have a pet fancy rat, male he lives with us no other rats. We have keep him in a cage for 8 months ...
  A: To be honest, I would make sure he has a nice roomy cage and keep him in the cage and do not let him ...
2 rats, one sick and died, what to do?1/30/2010
  Q: I have recently purchased two female rats from Petco, and when I brought them home I noticed one of ...
  A: Amanda Please refer to my website, sandyscrittercity.com and read up on mycoplasmosis. Also, ...
selamectin/ pic1/30/2010
  Q: I sent the pic you asked for immediately . I'm guessing something important came up for you in not ...
  A: I just want it to be accurate as you do. You need to measure the selamectin from the syringe that ...
Male potty training- Eek!1/30/2010
  Q: I have 3 young male dumbos [litter mates] whom I have had since they were almost 6 weeks old [from a ...
  A: I buy the bounty basic at Walmart or even Walmart brand white paper towels are good enough. As for ...
rat eye problem1/29/2010
  Q: I have 2 rats, both about 6-7 months old. Since about Christmas, one of the rats has seemed to ...
  A: Please give me the names of the medications that were used. Also, can you send me a photo of her ...
selamectin/ pic1/29/2010
  Q: I sent the pic you asked for immediately . I'm guessing something important came up for you in not ...
  A: Oh, I am so sorry. I thought that the question went through. As you know I anwered you every time ...
Male potty training- Eek!1/29/2010
  Q: I have 3 young male dumbos [litter mates] whom I have had since they were almost 6 weeks old [from a ...
  A: Yes, just think of the newspaper as the sub floor and the plastic needle point canvas as the floor, ...
My Little Man is showing some unusual behavior1/29/2010
  Q: My name is Melissa and my pet rat Little Man is about a year and half. A few days ago after his ...
  A: Somet At his age, he may be hard to introduce another male to his castle. He is already set in his ...
Scab on rat's foot pad1/29/2010
  Q: As I checked him tonight, I noticed that my rat, Monty, had a scab on the pad of his left back foot. ...
  A: It sounds like bumblefoot. Typical bumblefoot starts off as redness on the bottom of the foot and ...
what can rats eat1/28/2010
  Q: I was just wondering can rats eat coconut and cranberries ANSWER: You can check out what is good ...
  A: Well....yes and no. I myself dont like to use it mainly because the broken pieces can be sharp and ...
Male potty training- Eek!1/28/2010
  Q: I have 3 young male dumbos [litter mates] whom I have had since they were almost 6 weeks old [from a ...
  A: Nope, your doing it all right. Its them....they are still too young to totally grasp the concept, ...
my pet rat lucy is peeing blood?1/28/2010
  Q: I am getting really worried, because I went on vacation and my boyfriend told me that one of my ...
  A: She needs a vet. Chances are that she MAY have a urinary tract infection but if the blood is from ...
bleeding rat1/28/2010
  Q: Do you remember me? You introduced me to Keith Contarino in Atlanta for my rat sniffy who had a bad ...
  A: Check out this site: http://www.aemv.org/vetlist.cfm I would not start them on doxy either. It ...
porphyrin, random sneezing bouts, darting?1/27/2010
  Q: I recently got a female albino pet rat whom I named Artemis and she's been exhibiting some worrisome ...
  A: I would refrain from using any wood for your rats cage. It will absorb the urine and stink terribly ...
rat1/27/2010
  Q: my rats havent got any signs of wot they said look out for, but i was just wonderin how true this ...
  A: Not the least bit true. Rats do NOT carry cowpox. These are pet rats, where would they even come in ...
Selamectin1/27/2010
  Q: I have two female ratties in quaranteen that have mites , lice , eggs ??? I saw not alot , but ...
  A: No, you dont want to just give them a drop. It would be wasting it if there was not enough and can ...
Should I get a new playmate for my female after her other one died?1/27/2010
  Q: I bought two females rats, cakes and blue, around 10 months ago but sadly blue died a few days ago ...
  A: The pet shop doesnt know squat diddly about rats. Females get along good with new rats, but you ...
tight left side of face1/27/2010
  Q: My rat Flurry has just turned one. He's had something wrong with the left side of his face since i ...
  A: If you have the right vet, he may come up with the answer you are seeking. However, do not be ...
female rats biting each other!1/27/2010
  Q: i hope you can help! i have 2 female rats, about 12 weeks old, albino...gorgeous! from a pet store ...
  A: Sounds like typical young rat behavior. They play fight, chase, pin each other down, you name it, ...
nibbling on front foot/ weird moods1/27/2010
  Q: I have two quick questions. First, lately my rat keeps chewing on her front toe a lot. I looked at ...
  A: Studies that I read during some of my research and time spent shadowing Vets at the clinic has led ...
more pictures of Flurry's face1/27/2010
  Q: I'll try to send more pictures... one at a time, in case they help you. This is one of Flurry when ...
  A: May I use this on my website as a case study photo? I will use your name and his name of ...
tight left side of face1/27/2010
  Q: My rat Flurry has just turned one. He's had something wrong with the left side of his face since i ...
  A: Are his teeth aligned properly? Its hard for me to really tell without really seeing him in person. ...
How can I tell if my rat is Pregnant?1/27/2010
  Q: When I first got my rat she was a normal sized rat, her tummy was squishy..but she was in a tank ...
  A: The chances are there, yes. Note if the fur around the nipples is falling out. This happens in order ...
One Eye Is Smaller Than The Other In My Pet Rat1/26/2010
  Q: Ok well this is my first pet rat i have a white one with red eyes i guess hes a standard rat. Well i ...
  A: He may very well be on pine if its from the pet store. Most pet stores are clueless to the dangers ...
what can rats eat1/26/2010
  Q: I was just wondering can rats eat coconut and cranberries
  A: You can check out what is good and not so good for rats on my website, Sandyscritter city.com and ...
weight loss/behavior change1/26/2010
  Q: We rescued an approximately 2 year old Rex rat from a case of neglect about 5 months ago. Over the ...
  A: Does she tire easily? Do you notice her breathing heavier? She is older and she may very well just ...
dragging feet/ sneezing1/26/2010
  Q: My rat Sammy (2 1/2 years) walks very slowly and drags his back feet behind him. he drags his tail ...
  A: Oh yes, he for sure his HLP. The fact he drags his tail puts the icing on the cake that he has it. ...
what to do!1/26/2010
  Q: I was reading a book that said you can't feed your rats raw penuts,raw brussell sprouts and raw ...
  A: One time should not hurt, but if you kept doing it, that would cause some harm. Raw,dry beans and ...
older pregnant rat1/26/2010
  Q: a week ago I rescued two female rats from terrible circumstances(they were living in a hamster cage ...
  A: I wouldn't give her Tofu, but if you eat eggs, a nice scrambled egg is good for her (and other ...
bleeding rat1/26/2010
  Q: Do you remember me? You introduced me to Keith Contarino in Atlanta for my rat sniffy who had a bad ...
  A: SOB! I was right. Damnit. I just knew it wasnt infection and of course if you read my response, I ...
pet rat1/25/2010
  Q: what can I do if my rat is lost in my house. i looked trough everthing. it is a fearly new rat i ...
  A: Do you have other pets such as dogs and cats? To find your lost rat, leave food out near the ...
older pregnant rat1/25/2010
  Q: a week ago I rescued two female rats from terrible circumstances(they were living in a hamster cage ...
  A: You can say you strongly dislike irresponsible pet owners but I can say LOATHE them with a passion!! ...
Puberty in males1/25/2010
  Q: First off, thanks for all of the great information. I adopted a one year old buck from a friend of ...
  A: Funny you should mention that!! Right now, right this very second, I am struggling with three 8 ...
Signifcant porphyrin in one eye day after sneezing attack1/25/2010
  Q: *I'm resubmitting this question with photos. Sorry if you did receive the first copy of this ...
  A: Rats dont get colds as they are immune to the 200 plus viruses that cause the common cold. It is non ...
Expected blind rat1/24/2010
  Q: I am writing to you in hope that you can give me a hint, i do not see the point in going to the vet ...
  A: I see what you mean. I should have known what you meant. Its almost a palsy type movement. My own ...
One Eye Is Smaller Than The Other In My Pet Rat1/24/2010
  Q: Ok well this is my first pet rat i have a white one with red eyes i guess hes a standard rat. Well i ...
  A: I think that since he is new, he needs to adjust, but what type of litter/bedding do you use? Also, ...
Fast growing lump - surgery???1/24/2010
  Q: I have 2 rats, Gizmo and Gremlin. They're twins, about a year and a half old. About 2 1/2 weeks ...
  A: The vet said based on her AGE she would not do the surgery? Your vet thinks a year and a half is ...
Male rat bump in the middle of his stomach1/24/2010
  Q: A couple days ago when I was holding my male rat ( 1 1/2 yrs old), I noticed a hard bump in the ...
  A: Everett Veterinary Hospital Sheree Everett, DVM 632 Oak Street Klamath Falls, OR 97603 (541) ...
nebulizing medication help!1/24/2010
  Q: Me and my vet have decided to nebulize medication f or my rat. She is very very ill with respitory ...
  A: How much did he tell you to use for the baytril and albuterol? For Baytril 10mg to 1 mL normal ...
Eye with significant amount of porphyrin, slightly puffy lid1/23/2010
  Q: I wrote to you some time back with questions about my first two rats, and I really appreciated your ...
  A: To be honest, it wouldn't hurt to do a round of baytril (30 full days# even though he sounds clear. ...
Female Rat Chewing Cage Bars1/23/2010
  Q: I have two female rats , one about just over a year old and the other maybe 8 month old. Well the ...
  A: Rats that are high energy and bored will do this. How much play time does she get daily? Even if the ...
Rat eye problems1/23/2010
  Q: My male rat all of a sudden today develped red around one eye He seems fine He was in his cage for ...
  A: Your rat has porphyrin discharge. It can be normal in many cases, providing your rat has always had ...
bleeding rat1/23/2010
  Q: Do you remember me? You introduced me to Keith Contarino in Atlanta for my rat sniffy who had a bad ...
  A: I am soooooooo sorry this didnt get to you sooner. I thought it was sent, it must not have gone ...
young male rat w/ face swollen around eye1/23/2010
  Q: A little over a month ago I bought 3 baby male rats from a pet store, after 3 weeks one mysteriously ...
  A: Dublin Animal Hospital 888 Dublin Blvd Colorado Springs CO 80918 (719) 593-1336 Website: ...
young male rat w/ face swollen around eye1/22/2010
  Q: A little over a month ago I bought 3 baby male rats from a pet store, after 3 weeks one mysteriously ...
  A: He needs a vet and a good vet that knows what he or she is doing. He is very sweet looking. I am ...
Wanda1/22/2010
  Q: I asked too many follow ups..we were talking about my little girl Wanda 2.5 yrs old. She's not ...
  A: I am sure its due to her age as well. They do slow down as they age. As for the tumor returning, ...
New buddy for old rattie?1/22/2010
  Q: I have spoken to you many times about my rats Wanda (2.5 year old doe) and Simba (2 yr old buck). ...
  A: You could be a bit nervous about it, but it isnt something to ignore either. I have learned to ...
Dark brown spot on rat's scrotum1/22/2010
  Q: my 8 month old rat has a dark brown spot on his scrotum, I noticed this about a month or so ago, ...
  A: Hmm....looks like a bit of necrotic tissue but I cant be sure without feeling it. Is there a texture ...
A curious helath condition1/22/2010
  Q: I have a male fancy rat who is approximately 15 months old and has recently been having locomotive ...
  A: I am thinking he may have a small pituitary tumor on the base of his brain. If he is unable to chew ...
abscess?1/22/2010
  Q: My brother's rat, Rice, has what you said a long time ago was an abscess. We read your website about ...
  A: I am having a friend of mine, who is a Vet, look at this photo too. It still looks like a classic ...
rats born with no eyes1/22/2010
  Q: I have pet rats and one was born without eyes, he is healthy and is the first one to find food, why ...
  A: A birth defect is all. This is not uncommon. I would assume these are pet store rats? He will do ...
Cage Size?1/22/2010
  Q: I recently read that rats have happier lives in pairs or more. So I have decided to get two rats. I ...
  A: The rat tower is better and heres why: I do not like when cages have half shelves and not full ...
Male pet rat urinating too much1/21/2010
  Q: I have two 5/6 month old rats and I'm a bit worried about 1 of them his names Boo and he seems to be ...
  A: Its hard to really say if he has a urinary tract infection or if he is just marking his turf. He is ...
new cage for rats1/21/2010
  Q: i have two rats(spot &patch) about 4 months old,and they have been in a 20 tall aquarium for the ...
  A: I would act as if nothing was different. take them out to play like always etc... If they still ...
Urgent Mystery Condition !!!!!!!1/21/2010
  Q: Please can someone help me I have a male dumbo rat which I have had from a kit He is very unsteady ...
  A: Your rat possibly has a pituitary tumor which is on the base of the brain. If he cannot use his ...
new cage for rats1/21/2010
  Q: i have two rats(spot &patch) about 4 months old,and they have been in a 20 tall aquarium for the ...
  A: Your rat is a bit nervous, yes, but he is enjoying the new view and the fresh air circulation after ...
Fast growing lump - surgery???1/21/2010
  Q: I have 2 rats, Gizmo and Gremlin. They're twins, about a year and a half old. About 2 1/2 weeks ...
  A: Send her sister with her. The vet should have absolutely no problem with this. She will have to be ...
Cage Size?1/21/2010
  Q: I recently read that rats have happier lives in pairs or more. So I have decided to get two ...
  A: The middle cage is the best size and will accomodate three rats just fine, which means that it would ...
My three year old pet rat1/20/2010
  Q: So, a few days ago, my three year old male pet rat was showing some signs of an infection, wheezing, ...
  A: Orchard Park Veterinary Orchard Park NY 14127 Phone: 716-662-6660 Website: www.opvmc.com ...
Bedding1/20/2010
  Q: I have 2 pet rats (both female) and I was wondering if it is okay to have them sleep in cloth ...
  A: If you keep it clean and not urine soaked, its ok, yes. Becareful that the cloth doesnt shed off ...
pregnant rat problems1/20/2010
  Q: my rat began pushing last night getting ready to have her babies but when i woke up this morning ...
  A: No, I doubt it. She died because those pups were lodged in her and she was in labor way to long. ...
Expected blind rat1/20/2010
  Q: I am writing to you in hope that you can give me a hint, i do not see the point in going to the vet ...
  A: Its possible that it is blind, but its not a crisis if it is. Someone just wrote to me today about ...
enlarged liver and kidneys1/19/2010
  Q: I have a 7month old Dumbo rat. She has an enlarged liver and kidneys (x-ray confirmed) heart and ...
  A: Stop the corn cob right away. This is also very bad for them for several reasons. When it gets wet, ...
Rat scabby and balding1/19/2010
  Q: I've got a six-month old silver fawn hooded female rat, and over the past few months she's lost ...
  A: Stop with the vaseline. This only promotes bacterial growth. You can safely use neosporin but also ...
male rat large rapidly growing tumour1/19/2010
  Q: better photo is attached regarding Hannibal ...
  A: Here you go....exotic vets DO exist in the UK, but the sad truth is, there are not many available. ...
pregnant rat problems1/19/2010
  Q: my rat began pushing last night getting ready to have her babies but when i woke up this morning ...
  A: North Portland Veterinary Hospital 3000 N. Lombard Portland OR 97217 Phone: 503-285-0462 ...
EMERGENCY1/19/2010
  Q: Help, My pet rat has just had an operation to remove a tumor and she is going for her stitches. I ...
  A: Is she on pain medication other than crappy metacam? Often if the vet makes the stitches too tight ...
male rat large rapidly growing tumour1/19/2010
  Q: better photo is attached regarding Hannibal
  A: This needs removed or your rat will need to be put to sleep due to health problems, esp not being ...
Male rat with rapidly growing tlarge umor under neck / throat1/19/2010
  Q: i have a male rat called Hannibal approx 2 - 2.5 years old. He has long standing noisy breathing on ...
  A: Where are you located? I would like to find another vet for you to get a second opinion. If the ...
enlarged liver and kidneys1/19/2010
  Q: I have a 7month old Dumbo rat. She has an enlarged liver and kidneys (x-ray confirmed) heart and ...
  A: Has the vet determined what the cause of her enlarged liver and kidneys are from? You can try the ...
sick rat1/19/2010
  Q: just a quick question about my rat i havent taken him to a vet yet. hes not far from 2years old has ...
  A: Sorry for the delay. This was lost in my spam mail and allexperts sent it back to me again. I was ...
bump/lump came back...1/19/2010
  Q: A little while ago I asked about a lump on my new little (well not so little anymore!) rat Wilbur? ...
  A: I would wait and see if it drains or if you squeeze it if there is pus in it. Have you tried to ...
nebulizing rats1/18/2010
  Q: I am back with more questions, hah. My 3 rats have been having respiratory issues (sneezing, ...
  A: Can they give themselves a heart attack? Good question. Yes...and no. If the rat has a weak heart, ...
My three year old pet rat1/18/2010
  Q: So, a few days ago, my three year old male pet rat was showing some signs of an infection, wheezing, ...
  A: Your rat has pneumonia and you need a new vet. Rats do NOT get colds. They are absolutely IMMUNE to ...
Another lump on Toffee1/18/2010
  Q: Hope your well and had a nice christmas holiday. Toffee will be 3 at the end of April. She has got ...
  A: I am so sorry about this. I cant tell you what to do but to be honest, I would not put her through a ...
nebulizing rats1/18/2010
  Q: I am back with more questions, hah. My 3 rats have been having respiratory issues (sneezing, ...
  A: Yep, go for the baby food, yogurt, heck, even ice cream if you must, but anything....as long as they ...
EMERGENCY Babies1/18/2010
  Q: We cleared out a family of rats on our patio. Upon me digging further... there were babies. My ...
  A: Not sure where you got this information on how to raise rat pups but you do NOT use goats milk or ...
abortion?1/18/2010
  Q: I've been seperating my male and female 12-week old rats every 4 days when she goes into heat until ...
  A: It would be too dangeruos to spay her this young AND pregnant. Also, gestation is 21 days. If she ...
new baby rat1/17/2010
  Q: I've recently purchased two baby female rats they are different in age but both from the same pet ...
  A: She looks to be around 3 months in the photo and she seems to have a mix of both that of a rex rat ...
Large head wound1/16/2010
  Q: You recently posted a question to Sandra Beasley in category Pet Rats: My pet rat had a mysterious ...
  A: Are you far from Marietta Ga? I know a great Vet there. I do want to tell you that your two year ...
rat1/16/2010
  Q: i bought a rat 2 months ago from a pet store. its a white and grey male rat named "Yoda". ...
  A: Your rat doesnt need any operation. He simply needs the foreskin pulled back over the penis and it ...
Difficulty Breathing1/16/2010
  Q: I just purchased a pair of female rats a week and a half ago. The one is active and normal, but the ...
  A: Some pet stores will do what they say PLUS return the pet back to you after she is treated since it ...
Rat Race1/16/2010
  Q: I took her to the vet along with your recommendations. She gave her an injection of baytril and put ...
  A: Sorry for the delay...sometimes my email from allexperts ends up in SPAM and not until they submit ...
bloated rat1/16/2010
  Q: the life of amelia tan hooded rat: 12/2: how do i know if i just have a bloated rat that needs to ...
  A: If you took your rat to a vet that sees exotics and he or she never heard of megacolon, that is ...
WE NEED AN EXOTIC PET SPECIALIST!!!1/15/2010
  Q: HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH YOU AND YOURS. I ASKED YOU FOR HELP A FEW MONTHS BACK ABOUT MY BOY FLEX. HE IS ...
  A: The steroid is what helped your rats breathing but the baytril in the injection? Nothing but a waste ...
my nervous rat Itsy1/15/2010
  Q: I have written to you before concerning my 2 rats Itsy and Bitsy. Bitsy used to be a bitter but with ...
  A: You can train here the same way you trained Bitsy...patience....patience and more patience. DO NOT ...
rats fur1/15/2010
  Q: i bought a rat 2 months ago from a pet store. its a white and grey male rat named "Yoda". ...
  A: Your rat needs a vet right away. His penis is stuck behind the glans and this is very painful for ...
Neosporine1/14/2010
  Q: Today after a bath(first one in 2 months)i noticed a small spot on one of my rats tail and was ...
  A: Neopsorin is fine, its ok to use it. They will lick it off but its ok dont worry....just try to ...
Mammary tumors on 2 year old female1/14/2010
  Q: I have a 2 year old who has already had surgery to have 3 tumors removed about 8 months ago and now ...
  A: Please read my website, sandyscrittercity.com for info on tumors and other treatments. Its like ...
WE NEED AN EXOTIC PET SPECIALIST!!!1/14/2010
  Q: HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH YOU AND YOURS. I ASKED YOU FOR HELP A FEW MONTHS BACK ABOUT MY BOY FLEX. HE IS ...
  A: Dr. Michelle Hawkins Companion Avian and Exotic Pet Service Exotic 2108 Tupper Hall University of ...
Re prev post weird twitching before xmas1/14/2010
  Q: Unfortunately Soupy passed away as i was getting ready for work this morning. There had been no more ...
  A: Whoops my bad! I misunderstood when you asked if its a good idea to put a male and female together, ...
can I help my rat?1/14/2010
  Q: My Amelie rat is almost 3yrs old, has developed this tumor over the past few weeks. Her behavior ...
  A: How long has she had this tumor? This is more than a mammary tumor that could simply be removed by ...
Anemic, underfed rat; separation?1/13/2010
  Q: I own two female rats, Harper and Wendy, both about 9 months old, who have always been together with ...
  A: Rats should be fed at all times. Keep dry food down for them both. This way, the rats wont race to ...
Re prev post weird twitching before xmas1/13/2010
  Q: Unfortunately Soupy passed away as i was getting ready for work this morning. There had been no more ...
  A: For starters, no, do NOT put the male and female together. The only way to breed rats is to know ...
Anemic, underfed rat; separation?1/13/2010
  Q: I own two female rats, Harper and Wendy, both about 9 months old, who have always been together with ...
  A: Do you keep food down at all times for the girls? As for the pale color...sometimes when a rat has ...
is my rat sick?1/13/2010
  Q: i have a pair of young male dumbo rats who are about 10 months old. today i noticed that one of them ...
  A: Hmmm.....I do believe that if the vet is thinking the rat has a respiratory infection, the ...
baby rat tail getting black1/13/2010
  Q: I recently rescued a number of new born rats who were shipped to my animal sanctuary with dead ...
  A: Trying to save rat pups before their eyes are even open is a real task, and sadly, does not always ...
EMERGENCY--weight and appetite loss1/12/2010
  Q: Here's the story: My rat broke his ankle a month ago. I'm not sure if it's relevent to what's ...
  A: I dont think you need to really put the bread and juice in your mouth and feed your rat that way. ...
(Possibly Emergency?) Bump/Cyst on my rat's tail1/12/2010
  Q: I recently noticed a dark brown/reddish scab on my rat's tail on top of a large bump/welt, he has no ...
  A: Sounds like an abscess. Can you post a photo? You can post it on your follow up simply by clicking ...
swollen eye, rat1/12/2010
  Q: My rat, Lain, has developed a swollen eye that looks pretty painful! I have attached an image for ...
  A: Ouch that looks painful! Who is your Vet? Make the next follow up private so what we say is ...
sneezing/runny nose1/12/2010
  Q: Abigail is my 6 month old dumbo rat who thus far has not has a very easy life. She has the sweetest ...
  A: I am not convinced that she has anything really going on if all she does is sneeze. Does she have ...
Rat loss of appetite, sneezing, sometimes falling down1/12/2010
  Q: My rex rat, Cyril, has had a history of respiratory infections. He choked on some food over nine ...
  A: For starters, I would not stress the rat with X-rays. Your vet should be skilled enough to hear ...
Large head wound1/12/2010
  Q: You recently posted a question to Sandra Beasley in category Pet Rats: My pet rat had a mysterious ...
  A: There is a good chance she may need that eye removed. I would like to give you names of good vets ...
lethargy, but no other symptoms1/11/2010
  Q: My, normally quite inquisitive, rat has recently become quite lethargic and uninterested in ...
  A: How old is your rat? Lethargy is a pretty big symptom that can match many ailments, from infection ...
rats1/11/2010
  Q: i have 3 pet rats and recently noticed 2 of them are breathing really noisly and have lost a lot of ...
  A: Are you new to raising rats? Rats should not breathe noisy, and if rats are losing weight for no ...
EMERGENCY1/11/2010
  Q: I have a male hooded rat that is at least a year old, maybe a year and 3-5 months, and he's ...
  A: http://www.aemv.org/vetlist.cfm Check out the link above for access to vets that are members of ...
EMERGENCY1/11/2010
  Q: I have a male hooded rat that is at least a year old, maybe a year and 3-5 months, and he's ...
  A: Your rat has a mammary tumor if its on the outside of his body. If you can feel it with your ...
EMERGENCY1/11/2010
  Q: I have a male hooded rat that is at least a year old, maybe a year and 3-5 months, and he's ...
  A: Is this tumor visible, on the outside of his body or do you have to palpate the area to feel it? ...
Possible EMERGENCY?1/10/2010
  Q: I didnt know if it was an emergency or not sorry if its not. I have a roughly 3 year old female rat. ...
  A: I have the right vet for you. He is a good friend of mine who has helped me alot and is very very ...
My rat is acting strange...1/10/2010
  Q: my name is Claire, and I got a new pet rat after my first one died. My first rat was an amazing pet, ...
  A: Unfortunately not every rat breeder is a reputable one. Many claim to be rat breeders but are non ...
Rat mom squishing babies1/10/2010
  Q: My rat had a very unplanned litter of babies 2 days ago. She had 15 and we are down to 7 due to her ...
  A: Try to put the box in again but remove mom when you do this. When she starts to freak out, give her ...
I need help finding a specialist in my area.1/10/2010
  Q: my name is Dustin and I have a pet male fancy rat who I believe he has a mammary tumor. I would be ...
  A: Dr. Paul Welch Forest Trails Animal Hospital Address: 6528 E. 101st Street Tulsa OK 74133 ...
Large head wound1/10/2010
  Q: You recently posted a question to Sandra Beasley in category Pet Rats: My pet rat had a mysterious ...
  A: What are you using to clean the wound? Was the wound deep enough that not only was debrided but ...
Sick rattie1/10/2010
  Q: I have a blue birkshire rattie that is just over a yr old. She has developed a respiratory infection ...
  A: I am sorry for sounding so gruff earlier. I just....thats just me when I think that a Vet is ...
EMERGENCY - can't supports herself, blood from nose?1/10/2010
  Q: We have an albino rat who is a female and about 3 years old. She has already had cancer but ...
  A: Did you rat have a mammary tumor removed? If so, was the pathology report positive for cancer? ...
Sick rattie1/10/2010
  Q: I have a blue birkshire rattie that is just over a yr old. She has developed a respiratory infection ...
  A: You need a new vet, pronto. Your vet is using an old fashioned drug that has little chance of ...
Rat Eye Infection1/10/2010
  Q: My hairless rat, Nancy, has what I have been told is an eye infection, it looks something akin to ...
  A: My boy, Santana, had his eye removed and did great, but of course he wasnt 3 years old, either. I ...
Possible EMERGENCY?1/10/2010
  Q: I didnt know if it was an emergency or not sorry if its not. I have a roughly 3 year old female rat. ...
  A: Sounds like a mammary tumor. They can be removed safely, but her age does concern me. The older ...
Lump above pet rats eye and one eye sticking out more than the other1/9/2010
  Q: We have a pet Dumbo rat and has always been in really good health, happy and well looked after. He's ...
  A: These are the only ones in my data base....let me know if they are too far and I can look more. ...
Lump above pet rats eye and one eye sticking out more than the other1/9/2010
  Q: We have a pet Dumbo rat and has always been in really good health, happy and well looked after. He's ...
  A: Hmmm....thanks for the photo. Its hard to say, but it could be an intraorbital abscess inside that ...
URGENT: pet rat Ziva behaving oddly: a repiratory infection or ...??1/9/2010
  Q: Every day it's getting a little easier. But now I need urgent help with Ziva. When we took Hermione ...
  A: Any illness can cause the rat to have weight loss, from infection to heart disease....rats just dont ...
Hairless - sneezing1/9/2010
  Q: Hey! I am new to owning rats, I have two female hairless rats that I got from PetSmart and they told ...
  A: Cipro is human form of baytril and the doxy is good to use with it. If they hate it, mix it with ...
Hairless - sneezing1/8/2010
  Q: Hey! I am new to owning rats, I have two female hairless rats that I got from PetSmart and they told ...
  A: The good news is that your vet is up to par on myco and has them being treated for the proper ...
URGENT: pet rat Ziva behaving oddly: a repiratory infection or ...??1/8/2010
  Q: Every day it's getting a little easier. But now I need urgent help with Ziva. When we took Hermione ...
  A: When it is pneumonia it can accelerate fast. Myco related illnesses are slow moving, starting as ...
rat died1/8/2010
  Q: .. We purchased a "young" female rat for my 12 year old son for Christmas. After 2 days of her ...
  A: It could have been just about anything, but I do not think it was related in any way to what your ...
rats tail1/8/2010
  Q: My rat lost abit of the skin on his tail and started to bleed. We soaked it in salty water and ...
  A: What do you think your rat may have that your child can catch from his tail? Let me put your ...
Sneezing and loud breathing1/8/2010
  Q: I have two rats, i think about two months old, they seem to sneeze a lot, i think thats what it is, ...
  A: When rats sneeze, you can identify easily it was indeed a sneeze, so thats probably what they are ...
Suffering & guilt1/8/2010
  Q: This isn't a question, I just need some help getting closure. I have spent many hours reading your ...
  A: I am glad you were able to have some comfort. Time heals, trust me. It does get better. If you get ...
RAT SEIZURES1/7/2010
  Q: I have 2 rats. Tickles is about 2 months old and I have had her for a little over 30 days. Midnight ...
  A: The clinic above is not an exotic clinic. The vet there has no formal training with exotic mammals, ...
Suffering & guilt1/7/2010
  Q: This isn't a question, I just need some help getting closure. I have spent many hours reading your ...
  A: My first rat, Louie, had that same face. So sweet, that even someone that is absolutely terrified of ...
Prolapsed eyeball1/7/2010
  Q: My 14-month old doe Flash (from huge stock and very overweight) has just been diagnosed by our local ...
  A: I am so glad that its over and things went well. I also am happy you had a good vet. If you dont ...
Suffering & guilt1/7/2010
  Q: This isn't a question, I just need some help getting closure. I have spent many hours reading your ...
  A: Your story made me cry. Listen, you did NOT let your little man down. Many rats die this way, ...
Should I attempt to bathe rat who has bad abdominal infection (poop is collecting on his bottom)1/7/2010
  Q: (sort of continued from" Pet rat's abdominal cavity is filling with puss, vet has no answer and ...
  A: Have you called the vet I referred you to, Griffin Exotics? This is the only way I can help your ...
rat is bloated1/7/2010
  Q: Question Hi My Jumbo rat is a year old and is extremely bloated and has like a bloody discharge at ...
  A: Yes your rat is very very sick because of the cedar bedding your using. The bloating is probably ...
bump, medicine1/6/2010
  Q: I sent you a question a while ago and then a follow up. It past 3 days after I sent the follow up so ...
  A: Yes, zithromax is good but keep in mind that if you do not see an improvement in three days another ...
New buddy for old rattie?1/6/2010
  Q: I have spoken to you many times about my rats Wanda (2.5 year old doe) and Simba (2 yr old buck). ...
  A: I am very sorry to hear of Simbas passing. My heart goes out to you. As for your solo girl, it ...
Pet rat's abdominal cavity is filling with puss, vet has no answer and offered to put him down EMERGENCY1/6/2010
  Q: My 9 mo old male rat has some illness and the vet is unsure as to what is wrong with him. Around ...
  A: It should be around $50 for the first visit and after that, it goes down to $30 a visit. he is very ...
Pet rat's abdominal cavity is filling with puss, vet has no answer and offered to put him down EMERGENCY1/6/2010
  Q: My 9 mo old male rat has some illness and the vet is unsure as to what is wrong with him. Around ...
  A: Small world.....I was in Charlotte for 12 years, just left to move to southern Florida last month. ...
bump, medicine, food1/6/2010
  Q: I sent you a question a while ago and then a follow up. It past 3 days after I sent the follow up so ...
  A: Sue Bees is fine as long as you use it with other food and not alone as it is not to be used as the ...
Pet rat's abdominal cavity is filling with puss, vet has no answer and offered to put him down EMERGENCY1/6/2010
  Q: My 9 mo old male rat has some illness and the vet is unsure as to what is wrong with him. Around ...
  A: For starters, lets go private so you can tell me the name of the vet. I would like to check their ...
bump, medicine, food1/5/2010
  Q: I sent you a question a while ago and then a follow up. It past 3 days after I sent the follow up so ...
  A: I hate to tell you to spend ten dollars on something that may not work. If your rat has an infection ...
skin problems1/5/2010
  Q: in reply to your question about our own skin problems the answer is yes, an itchy red rash with ...
  A: Your allergic to your rats. The good news is, its common. What is going on is this: The rat steps ...
rat is bloated1/5/2010
  Q: could you tell me the possibilities what could be wrong? Also he aint pooping. He wont eat ...
  A: He really needs to see a vet. If he isnt eating this explains the lack of stools. It sounds like he ...
Re Re: My Pet Rat1/5/2010
  Q: It is with sad regret that I announce to you that Little Romsca passed away yesterday. I took her ...
  A: I am really sorry for your loss. However, I do want to tell you that your little girl was not ...
Rat scabby and balding1/5/2010
  Q: I've got a six-month old silver fawn hooded female rat, and over the past few months she's lost ...
  A: Its not always seen with all rats. It is more or less due to an allergy to the contents of the food ...
Rat Cage1/5/2010
  Q: I used to own 3 male brother rats but due to illnesses now only 1 of them remains. He is quite happy ...
  A: The best drug to use long term with steroids would be a daily dose of baytril. I hope this doctor is ...
Rat Cage1/5/2010
  Q: I used to own 3 male brother rats but due to illnesses now only 1 of them remains. He is quite happy ...
  A: Well, the bad news is that your little one is NOT on antibiotics. Metacam is not an antibiotic. It ...
rat died 5 days after surger?1/5/2010
  Q: So my rat, Sweetpea, was about 2 years and 3 months when she went in for a tumor removal. The vet ...
  A: I am really sorry for your loss. Like with humans, one complication that can happen after surgery ...
Rat Cage1/5/2010
  Q: I used to own 3 male brother rats but due to illnesses now only 1 of them remains. He is quite happy ...
  A: http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3074864 This cage is from Petsmart online. I ...
alternative food1/5/2010
  Q: Due to a lot of snow fall my local pet shop is shut and i am unable to travel not another. My rat ...
  A: Check out my website, Sandyscrittercity.com going to the link on proper diet for rats for a list of ...
can rats mourn?1/5/2010
  Q: Today, we had to put our beloved Hermione down. She had 3 tumors, one so large and close to her ...
  A: I am very sorry for your loss. I refuse to own females any longer because of the development of ...
rats skin allergy1/4/2010
  Q: we have an 18 moth old buck who has perfectly healthy looking fur (no scabs lesions or ...
  A: What type of skin problems are you getting when you handle the rat? Red hives? Itchy? If so, let ...
Pneumonia?1/4/2010
  Q: I have asked a question on here before, so I figured this would be a good place to go to. My elder ...
  A: How are things going? You do have a good point about not wanting to sound rude by telling the vet ...
Nutrition question1/4/2010
  Q: I just adopted 2 female baby rats. I am very concerned over feeding them correctly. I just ordered ...
  A: The bird diet sounds just fine including the millet. However, do remember baby rats do well on 14% ...
wild rats1/4/2010
  Q: I have two wild roof rats, one female and one male, that I rescued from a storm drain. I have had ...
  A: See the photo of the rat in the corner? That is my wild rat, Holly, that lived to be nearly 4 years ...
Re: My Pet Rat1/4/2010
  Q: Prior to receiving your response to my question regarding my rat, I did another exam on her to see ...
  A: I do not like the fact she has lost the use of her forelimbs at all, either. This concerns me. Its ...
Nutrition question1/4/2010
  Q: I just adopted 2 female baby rats. I am very concerned over feeding them correctly. I just ordered ...
  A: The bird food has too much protein for rats. Rats protein should not exceed 14%. If your waiting ...
Prolapsed eyeball1/4/2010
  Q: My 14-month old doe Flash (from huge stock and very overweight) has just been diagnosed by our local ...
  A: I would have the enucleation done right away. My favorite boy, Santana, had to have his eye ...
rat smell1/4/2010
  Q: So I just wanted to know if it is and what I could do about it? Thanks
  A: No the smell is not bad for YOU, but it can be dangerous for your rats. How many cages do you have ...
My Pet Rat1/4/2010
  Q: I came home today to find that my pet rat is having a hard time getting around. she tries to walk, ...
  A: One of two things: Inner ear infection, which will cause the rat to be off balance due to pressure ...
Rat scabby and balding1/3/2010
  Q: I've got a six-month old silver fawn hooded female rat, and over the past few months she's lost ...
  A: To be honest, the diet needs changed. Basic rat food mix has been found that it is not even remotely ...
Pneumonia?1/3/2010
  Q: I have asked a question on here before, so I figured this would be a good place to go to. My elder ...
  A: If your rat snuggles with his cagemates, he will be warmer sleeping with other rats than being ...
rats skin allergy1/3/2010
  Q: we have an 18 moth old buck who has perfectly healthy looking fur (no scabs lesions or ...
  A: If its not mites, try adding olive oil to the diet. Sometimes its nothing more than a problem with ...
Pneumonia?1/3/2010
  Q: I have asked a question on here before, so I figured this would be a good place to go to. My elder ...
  A: That price is awesome!!!!! Usually an ER vet visit, 02 therapy, meds and an exam would run you well ...
my rat has an eye infection?1/3/2010
  Q: my name is zoe and i have two female rats. they are both perfectly normal but Since about one or two ...
  A: Is the eye ball itself normal? As for swaying her head, please read my website and the page on ...
Rat severely scratched my daughter1/2/2010
  Q: 2 weeks ago my husband and I got a fancy rat for our 7 year old daughter. We answered an ad in the ...
  A: I am glad you made me aware of the problems with the first page on my website. I strive to make it ...
Males biting and leaving scabs.1/2/2010
  Q: One of my male rats keeps biting the other, he is older and bigger. I know fighting is normal and ...
  A: I hate to tell you to separate them, but if he is hurting the other one, thats not acceptable nor ...
chlorinated water1/2/2010
  Q: Greetings! Just about every google search I've ever done for more rat information has lead me to ...
  A: First, let me go over distilled water with you. Its not a good idea to give it to the rats on a ...
Sick Pet Rat1/2/2010
  Q: My daughter's pet rat has been acting strangely for a day or so. She is not very active, does not ...
  A: It does sound like a PT for sure, but you know, sometimes when a rat is not well in general they ...
what is my rat doing1/2/2010
  Q: I have a female rat, about a year and a half old. In the last couple weeks she has moved her bed to ...
  A: Did your rat move her nest to a higher location or down lower in the cage? Also, the red discharge ...
Halothane1/1/2010
  Q: What are your opinions or experiences with Halothane as method of euthanasia for rats? I do not have ...
  A: Having an emergency tank is a good idea, but you will need to purchase something bigger than the ...
Ratty baba1/1/2010
  Q: I have a 2 week old ratt, eyes should be opening soon. Got him at about 4 days old. He had a sister ...
  A: No, your rat is not fat. A male can weigh up to 800 grams and still not be fat. You want to see ...
Weird twitch/ spasm movement1/1/2010
  Q: But now i've got a small problem with the other one. I took them both out the cage this morning and ...
  A: I would ask for vet to start them on gentocin injections and steroids straight away. If they have ...
Ratty baba1/1/2010
  Q: I have a 2 week old ratt, eyes should be opening soon. Got him at about 4 days old. He had a sister ...
  A: Many rats are lactose intolerant which is why they get loose stools from dairy. The old myth about ...
Halothane1/1/2010
  Q: What are your opinions or experiences with Halothane as method of euthanasia for rats? I do not have ...
  A: Your right, I think I took the part on proper euthanasia out....but I will make sure it is up there ...
Halothane1/1/2010
  Q: What are your opinions or experiences with Halothane as method of euthanasia for rats? I do not have ...
  A: I absolutely disagree with the use of home euthansia. Too much can go wrong and the final outcome ...
Emergency please advise...12/31/2009
  Q: We have spoken before, my girl rattie had 12 babies and I kept them ALL. Now they are getting ...
  A: He needs off the chloro and put on baytril with gentocin injections. Forget the lasix, he needs ...
Rats contagious illness?12/31/2009
  Q: I just got two new rats, one hairless, that now have some red colored discharge around thier eyes. I ...
  A: Porphyrin is not a disease. It is a discharge that is created by a gland, the harderian gland, which ...
Rat severely scratched my daughter12/31/2009
  Q: 2 weeks ago my husband and I got a fancy rat for our 7 year old daughter. We answered an ad in the ...
  A: You do realize none of this is Bo Bos fault. He was only reacting naturally and defending himself. ...
Ratty baba12/31/2009
  Q: I have a 2 week old ratt, eyes should be opening soon. Got him at about 4 days old. He had a sister ...
  A: I am going to tell you something, my dear friend: If you have success raising pinkies and this is ...
My new rats!12/31/2009
  Q: I have a few questions about my new rats. I have never owned them before, but thought they would be ...
  A: Please refer to my website, Sandyscrittercity.com There are tons of informatoin on raising rats and ...
New Diet12/30/2009
  Q: I have two female rats - Clairwick (age 18 mos) and Osa (age 2 mos.) For a long time I kept them on ...
  A: Forget the tuna salad....the mayo is high in fat, the celery should not be given to rats and same ...
Bleeding nose/sores12/30/2009
  Q: My pet rats nose has been bleeding, not really a lot, but when she sneezes, a little will come out. ...
  A: No vet yet unless she is not eating or acting like herself. Your rats nose is not bleeding. Please ...
EMERGENCY/TUMOR/ABCESS12/30/2009
  Q: my name is Dana and I own two female adult rats. My one rat"Kate" has a large lump above her left ...
  A: So far, the only places I can find are 4 hours away from you! Unless you have friends or family ...
Red Tears12/29/2009
  Q: I read your page on red eyes/nose and found it helpful. You helped me on one of my other rats with ...
  A: It sounds like she also has porphyrin, just like the webpage on red discharge from eyes and and nose ...
Bloody Eye?12/29/2009
  Q: Couple of days ago me and my boyfriend noticed my rat had a light whitish dot in the retina of her ...
  A: It could be a nasty infection, so lets keep our fingers crossed. I had to have an enucleation done ...
RE: Bumblefoot???12/29/2009
  Q: My male rat is almost 2 years old. I just noticed that one of his feet is very swollen. He has a ...
  A: Any antibiotic ointment can be used that is over the counter. As for oral antibiotics, the vet ...
my new fancy12/29/2009
  Q: I just got a new fancy rat from a local PetCo after the passing of my 3 year old first fancy. My new ...
  A: Where are you located in TN? I may be able to find someone for you. As for your girl, it does ...
temporarily lethargic rats12/29/2009
  Q: my boyfriend and I have four rats that all simultaneously became very lethargic. I brought my two ...
  A: Raw red cabbage and brussel sprouts contain an antinutrient that destroys thiamin and should never ...
sneezing / personality change / bump12/29/2009
  Q: My male rat,Sammy, has been sneezing a lot for the past few weeks. I would like to get him to a vet ...
  A: He is NOT too old for treatment. I have had rats live to be 3 and 4 years old. He is sick which is ...
my+pet+rat's+health12/29/2009
  Q: +my+pet+rat+gracie+is+about+3+months+old+and+ever+since+i+brought+her+home+she+would+wake+up+with+he ...
  A: Get rid of the pine bedding. DO NOT use any paper you have ink from an ink pen or marker on, either. ...
pet rat12/29/2009
  Q: we got a couple of female rats for our males earlier this week from a local pet store. one of the ...
  A: Ferret food is for ferrets, not rats. In fact, rats cannot eat most anything. There are many things ...
My female pet rat12/29/2009
  Q: My rat has something protruding out of the area that looks like where the vagina is. I think its ...
  A: Your female rat that has the protrusion from her vagina probably indeed has a prolapsed uterus. She ...
RE: Bumblefoot???12/28/2009
  Q: My male rat is almost 2 years old. I just noticed that one of his feet is very swollen. He has a ...
  A: He should not be on pine or cedar shavings anyhow, so please do not use it even if he clears up. ...
baby rat tail getting black12/28/2009
  Q: I recently rescued a number of new born rats who were shipped to my animal sanctuary with dead ...
  A: Oh so sweet......how precious! I am worried too...this is not good. There is lack of blood flow to ...
albino rat black eye12/28/2009
  Q: Sorry to bother you, but my albino rat seems to be injured and I do not know what to do. He must ...
  A: Sounds like an infection in his eye. He needs a vet right away. Even if he has lost his vision, if ...
follow-up, itchy rat12/28/2009
  Q: I just emailed you a question (attached below) Unfortunately, our rat, Amelia, took a turn for the ...
  A: I am sooooooo sorry for your loss. This may be hard to understand but here goes....sometimes when a ...
baby rat tail getting black12/28/2009
  Q: I recently rescued a number of new born rats who were shipped to my animal sanctuary with dead ...
  A: Are the baby rats eyes open? Do they have fur? Check the rats feet and see if they are pink or if ...
rats12/27/2009
  Q: what do you do when a dumbo rat gives birth and you didnt know about the pregnancy
  A: I am not really sure what your asking....what do you do as far as what? The mother rat should be ...
Bumblefoot???12/27/2009
  Q: My male rat is almost 2 years old. I just noticed that one of his feet is very swollen. He has a ...
  A: Have you checked out my webpage on acute bumblefoot and infection? Often it is misdiagnosed by Vets ...
Ill Rat12/27/2009
  Q: One of my girls is about 1.5 years old and in the beginning of Oct she had some trouble breathing, ...
  A: If the only meds ever used on her was doxycycline and baytril, not enough has been done to clear ...
Ill Rat12/26/2009
  Q: One of my girls is about 1.5 years old and in the beginning of Oct she had some trouble breathing, ...
  A: If your rat still has respiratory issues, this tumor can wait until she is clear. The risks increase ...
Urgent - my vinny looks dizzy12/26/2009
  Q: I have a Blue rattie and is 1 1/2yo. His name is Vinny. Earlier this morning I gave him and the ...
  A: If he is able to use his front paws to grasp and eat, its probably NOT a brain tumor. Ear ...
my rat12/25/2009
  Q: you see i have 2 rats and they both have a respiratory infection. So i went to the vet and she gaved ...
  A: Most medications your rat gets is human grade with the exception of baytril. The medication your ...
Plez help!!12/25/2009
  Q: My female rat is about 2 years old. The last couple of days she has been acting very ...
  A: You asked what could be wrong, I told you what could be wrong. The wrong medications, the wrong ...
Pituary Cancer Info.12/25/2009
  Q: Okay, I read what you said about the Pituary Cancer, and you said I should feed her baby food. My ...
  A: Any baby food. Avoid the meats and dinners, too high in sodium. Instead, give sweet potatoes, ...
Bedding12/25/2009
  Q: can soil /dirt be used from outside be used as bedding for a rat? or cage liner would be a better ...
  A: Absolutely not. Parasites in the dirt etc.... These rats are fancy rats raised in captivity. Their ...
im beggin12/23/2009
  Q: im 13 years old, i've been begging for a pet rat for 3 years now. i know everything about rat care, ...
  A: Have your parents explained WHY they dont want you to have pet rats? Sometimes its easy to see ...
swollen/lathargic rat12/23/2009
  Q: I have a pet rat (chilupa) and she's not feeling well. She is very swollen (face, legs and ...
  A: She is retaining fluids, obviously, but why, I cannot tell you without examining her personally and ...
rat abscess?12/23/2009
  Q: my eldest rattie had a large lump on his belly for two weeks. i figured it was a tumor and was ...
  A: Save your money....seriously. Your boy had an abscess that drained on its own. The black scab is ...
Weird twitch/ spasm movement12/23/2009
  Q: But now i've got a small problem with the other one. I took them both out the cage this morning and ...
  A: Sorry it has taken so long to respond again.....with Christmas and now New Years....ARGH! Anyhow, ...
hairless rat health12/23/2009
  Q: our pet rat is growing a lump near the bottom of her throat and it gets bigger ever day. she eats ...
  A: Sounds like a mammary tumor. It will need removed by a qualified Vet. Please read more about rats ...
female rat has suddenly become aggressive?12/23/2009
  Q: My fawn dumbo girl, Fauna, is about a year old now, and I've had her since she was five weeks old. ...
  A: I LOVE that your rat vibrates her ears during her estrus. Do you know in all of my years of raising ...
Sneezing and Fighting12/23/2009
  Q: This is my first time using this website, but I have seen the timely answers before and read many of ...
  A: Dr. Richard Shackelford Treasure Valley Veterinary Hospital Exotic Pets Seen: 2600 S. Meridian ...
Plez help!!12/23/2009
  Q: My female rat is about 2 years old. The last couple of days she has been acting very ...
  A: Your rat needs the right medication. Chances are when she first got sick she wasn't given the ...
Rattie Pneumonia12/23/2009
  Q: My first rat ever died of pneumonia. Now, with my third rat, the sweetest rat ever, we have acquired ...
  A: Petco and Petsmart rats are bred by the hundreds sometimes by the same breeder. They are NOT bred ...
Rattie Pneumonia12/22/2009
  Q: My first rat ever died of pneumonia. Now, with my third rat, the sweetest rat ever, we have acquired ...
  A: Are you saying the rat in question has died? Also, you said she was 2 and also said you never heard ...
Tumor on his cheek12/22/2009
  Q: I have a male rat and he started developing a developing on the side of his face, the vets ...
  A: Please read my critter city site about zymbals gland tumor and please get back to me right away ...
Rattie Pneumonia12/22/2009
  Q: My first rat ever died of pneumonia. Now, with my third rat, the sweetest rat ever, we have acquired ...
  A: Kat is assuming this position to help aide in breathing. rats in respiratory distress as well as ...
Sneezing and Fighting12/22/2009
  Q: This is my first time using this website, but I have seen the timely answers before and read many of ...
  A: Let me help you find a vet. Where are you located? As for your boys.....when male rats that are ...
female rat has suddenly become aggressive?12/22/2009
  Q: My fawn dumbo girl, Fauna, is about a year old now, and I've had her since she was five weeks old. ...
  A: What signs does your little girl show you that indicates she is in heat? As for rats reacting to ...
abcess under chin on throat12/21/2009
  Q: I am a new rat owner, we have not even had the babies for 2 weeks yet! we love them already. I did ...
  A: He is absolutely adorable! Do you mind if I use your photos on my website, Sandyscrittercity.com? ...
advice needed before Jan 4th if possible...12/21/2009
  Q: Hope you have been well. I’ve noticed your names changed..got married? Congratulations! You’ve ...
  A: Nice to hear from you. Just to let you know, the name change is due to a divorce, not a ...
very sick rat12/21/2009
  Q: Okay, I know this is all going to sound horrible, but bear with me. My three year old rat got in a ...
  A: No I would never go along with leaving him loose in the woods or feeding him poison, both which of ...
abcess under chin on throat12/20/2009
  Q: I am a new rat owner, we have not even had the babies for 2 weeks yet! we love them already. I did ...
  A: The photos didn't show up.....maybe you can try again with our follow up. As for the abscess, ...
rat's hind leg weakness12/20/2009
  Q: I have a 1.3 year old female w/ pneumonia (being treated currently w/ zithromycon and brethine). I ...
  A: I have at least three names for you if you want of vets that are great with rats, one being an ...
rat's hind leg weakness12/20/2009
  Q: I have a 1.3 year old female w/ pneumonia (being treated currently w/ zithromycon and brethine). I ...
  A: Sometimes when a rat has problems with their heart this will occur esp if there is a blood clot ...
very sick rat12/20/2009
  Q: Okay, I know this is all going to sound horrible, but bear with me. My three year old rat got in a ...
  A: I do totally understand your situation, trust me. I know people are having hard times making ends ...
female rat has suddenly become aggressive?12/19/2009
  Q: My fawn dumbo girl, Fauna, is about a year old now, and I've had her since she was five weeks old. ...
  A: Overcrowding of the cage, not being fed enough, not enough attention or exercise all can make any ...
Rat health and care12/19/2009
  Q: I am trying to find out about treatment of my daughters pet rat who is breathing rapidly. The rat ...
  A: Is the rat congested in her lungs as well? What type of antibiotics was the rat given? If she has ...
penelope is not herself :(12/18/2009
  Q: My pet rat penelope is roughly 8 months. Penelope is a Fancy Blue who is usually hyper,loves to ...
  A: Why would you think she may have been electrocuted? If she was, the way for it to happen is for the ...
Lethargic Rat12/18/2009
  Q: I hope you're doing well! I have a 2.5 year old intact male rat. I've had him his entire life, I got ...
  A: Losing the use of their front paws almost always points to a pituitary tumor. The loss of balance is ...
health concern12/18/2009
  Q: Just recently I noticed a lump under her L front arm. It's hard but moves about. Just a few minutes ...
  A: She is ADORABLE! I would like permission to publish this photo of her on my Critter City site if ...
Lily's Mammary Tumour Surgery12/17/2009
  Q: I hope you can offer some advice for me. Yesterday 16th November, I took one of my rats, Lily to ...
  A: This is news I want to hear! WOOOOOT! I am on top of the world here. Now I do want to share with ...
ivermectin injection12/17/2009
  Q: I have a female Berkshire who is about 2 1/2 years old, maybe a little older. She has been itchy ...
  A: Save yourself the trouble and dont worry about washing things that were packed away. If the mites ...
Lily's Mammary Tumour Surgery12/17/2009
  Q: I hope you can offer some advice for me. Yesterday 16th November, I took one of my rats, Lily to ...
  A: No, I dont think there will be any long term harm, thankfully....but I wont feel right until she is ...
Excessive Itching and Circling12/17/2009
  Q: I am horribly saddened by my pet rat RJ's (Roger Johnson) sudden and seemingly serious illness. I ...
  A: He may indeed have an inner ear infection but this can also be the symptoms of a pituitary tumor. ...
ivermectin injection12/17/2009
  Q: I have a female Berkshire who is about 2 1/2 years old, maybe a little older. She has been itchy ...
  A: It wont hurt to wash your bedding etc...and make sure you run the vacum really good. Mites live OFF ...
my rat sammy12/17/2009
  Q: I was reading another persons question and it sounds like my rat may have the exact same symptoms. ...
  A: http://www.aemv.org/vetlist.cfm try this link to find vets that are members of the association of ...
short life spans!12/17/2009
  Q: I have been speaking with so many people who always say "Oh I had a rat for 4 years...4 and a half ...
  A: Your doing just fine, dont worry....I am one of them that have had rats live to be 4 and 3.5 yrs ...
Lily's Mammary Tumour Surgery12/16/2009
  Q: I hope you can offer some advice for me. Yesterday 16th November, I took one of my rats, Lily to ...
  A: Your vet needs to go back to school. Your lucky this little girl is alive after being given that ...
sick rat12/16/2009
  Q: My name is Naomi I have a pet rat named Gabby, I think she is around four years old. She is usually ...
  A: She may have an inner ear infection which is easily treated with the right antibiotics. Please read ...
should i emergency spay??12/15/2009
  Q: I got a little female rat from a pet shop.(I have 6 at home but i just couldn't leave her there.) I ...
  A: Sometimes.....ignorance is bliss, ya know what I mean? Reading up on medical ailments and medical ...
injured left side of pet rat12/15/2009
  Q: she is a little over a year and a half old and has suddenly been walking and behaving very strangely ...
  A: Woot!!! What good news. Excellent news!!! :) :) The only thing is, I wish she was given ...
new rat12/14/2009
  Q: We have a few cats that come in and out of the house. Do we have any hope of getting our children a ...
  A: You bet! Your talking to someone that owns (or did own, I should say) 6 cats along with my rats. I ...
Rat eyes12/14/2009
  Q: I know I come to you a lot about rat questions and I thank you for all the answers you give me. I ...
  A: Here are some names of places in Boston for you as well: Avian and Exotic Medicine Angell ...
Tony-porphyrin Sammy-sneezing12/14/2009
  Q: One of my rats, Tony, has a little bit of porphyrin around one of his eyes. The other eye and his ...
  A: Have they been under stress lately? I just made a move from one state to another with my three male ...
Rat eyes12/13/2009
  Q: I know I come to you a lot about rat questions and I thank you for all the answers you give me. I ...
  A: Sometimes we have to make a drive to get to a good vet. The vets that I have found for you are not ...
Your advice on more surgery12/13/2009
  Q: Sandra, Two months ago you helped me with my rat ella who had a mammary tumor growing, we found a ...
  A: Some can grow fast while others grow slow. These tumors are fueled by the high hormone levels found ...
Male vs. Female12/12/2009
  Q: I am 13 years old and have had two female rats as pets before. I was wondering if i should try male ...
  A: I love rats, but I only own male rats now due to the fact female rats are so prone to developing ...
Your advice on more surgery12/12/2009
  Q: Sandra, Two months ago you helped me with my rat ella who had a mammary tumor growing, we found a ...
  A: Right now my best friend has her 2.5 yr old rat scheduled for her second surgery and another good ...
injured left side of pet rat12/12/2009
  Q: she is a little over a year and a half old and has suddenly been walking and behaving very strangely ...
  A: Oh no, it sounds possibly like a pituitary tumor. I wish I could say it was an inner ear infection, ...
my dumbo rat is sick12/12/2009
  Q: im not sure what to do i have 5 male rats in a 3 story 7 platform cage ranging in ages from 2 yeasrs ...
  A: Usually when you bring new rats to your home you should do proper quarantine for at least 3 weeks ...
Gadget's strange movements12/10/2009
  Q: My male rat Gadget (around 2years old) never usually makes any noise or has strange movements but i ...
  A: Sounds just like hiccups, which is common in rats. Its almost like a spasmodic type motion. right? ...
Sudden rat death??12/10/2009
  Q: I had a rat who was 2 years and 3 months old. She had gotten some big soft tumors on her side, that ...
  A: Actually knowing her diet and if she was exposed to phenol oils helps me alot. Had her diet been ...
Rat eyes12/10/2009
  Q: I know I come to you a lot about rat questions and I thank you for all the answers you give me. I ...
  A: Hmm...without seeing his eye its hard to tell, but sometimes red in the eye indicates bleeding ...
Sudden rat death??12/9/2009
  Q: I had a rat who was 2 years and 3 months old. She had gotten some big soft tumors on her side, that ...
  A: I am very sorry for your loss. Its so hard to know exactly what went on when you find your rat ...
Unknown Health Concern12/9/2009
  Q: My pet rat who's about a year old was completely fine the other day but when I went to check on him ...
  A: Sounds like for starters he may have malocclusion which would be the reason for his teeth missing. ...
Rats with broken backs12/9/2009
  Q: My month old Special needs rat died because she broke her back from falling at the top of the ...
  A: I had a rat that broke his back from a 4 foot fall. I adopted him rather than have his owner put him ...
Wild rat pup weaning & diet - HELP PLEASE12/7/2009
  Q: I am the proud owner of 2 dogs, 2 Ferrets, 4 Sugar Gliders, 3 Horses, 4 little girls (my kids :) and ...
  A: Treat him as you would a regular rat. I raised a wild rat and they are just like domestic rats. ...
Bitting female pet rat12/6/2009
  Q: I had just gotten two female rats for a week (11 weeks old) and one of them, Sasha is very ...
  A: Ahhh...a biter is my specialty! I raised a wild rat that age and she was the spawn of satan, I am ...
my rat died12/6/2009
  Q: Last night i went up to my rats cage to give them their nightly vegetables when i noticed one of my ...
  A: He could have had an unknown heart problem and he was going into heart failure. Was he wheezing at ...
Fat Rats12/5/2009
  Q: I am not sure if you remember me but I wrote you a couple of months ago regarding Rat-O. He had a ...
  A: Sorry for the delay. I just moved down to Florida and have been super busy getting things in order. ...
Quarantine Help!12/5/2009
  Q: so I am writing both you and Janell because I really need some help-- I'll try to make this as ...
  A: The best way to do it is in a separate air space but to be honest its very hard for most people to ...
My rat is sick12/5/2009
  Q: We recently adopted two rats, Phoebe and Delilah, from a pet store that rescues animals. The two ...
  A: this has nothing to do with her foot, although she does need a vet or I am afraid you will indeed ...
Ongoing respiratory problems12/5/2009
  Q: I hope you can help me with my ratty medical problem. My lovely 18 month old female rat Fly has ...
  A: Certain drugs do not work as well if dairy is used during the treatment, but there are some ...
Ongoing respiratory problems12/3/2009
  Q: I hope you can help me with my ratty medical problem. My lovely 18 month old female rat Fly has ...
  A: All of the drugs used are the best for mycoplasmosis. However, it could be a secondary infection ...
my rat has a tumor that has split open!12/3/2009
  Q: I have 4 pet rats, they are all female, they are not spayed. Two of them are a little over a year ...
  A: This is common with tumors. There is NO need to put her down at all. I never suggest euthanasia ...
Itchy ski