About Lindsay Newell Expertise I can answer nearly all questions to do with rodents. I am an experienced rodent breeder breeding rats, mice, degus, hamsters and Gerbils. I also breed guinea pigs. I currently work at Grangewood zoo with a variety of mammals, birds and snakes. Any questions about birds or reptiles can also be asked as I have tarantulas and reptiles and birds.
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Past/Present clients Pet shops
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Small zoos
veterinary surgeons
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Slinkygirl writes on 2006-11-18 07:46:01
The red mucous around rat’s eyes and/or nose is called Porphyrin. It is produced by the Harderian Gland which is located behind the eye. This red discharge is one of the symptoms of upper respiratory disease. Other symptoms may include sneezing.
Upper respiratory disease if often caused by stress and/or exposure to air-borne irritants such as dust, cedar or pine bedding. These soft wood beddings contain Phenols which are acidic compounds. These “Phenols” are poisonous and caustic, they irritate the nasal passages, throat and lungs allowing bacteria to enter.
If you don’t take any action it will likely turn into a lower respiratory infection and/or Pneumonia. As such it is best treated early with Antibiotics from the Vet, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) or you can get something from the health food shop/chemist such as Echinacea, Golden Seal and/or Olive Leaf Extract (dosages can be found on rat health sites).
Suitable beddings for rats are: Newspaper (providing it’s vegetable ink based) and recycled news paper kitty litter (such as those available in Australia), towelling or fleece material, alfalfa pellets, unbleached unscented hand towels and tissues made from recycled materials and plain cardboard boxes.
