moniqua
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jorats
Loving rats since 2002.
Could it be sebum you see? I find very old rats don't clean themselves as good and can become covered in sebum.
If he's full of scabs, my first guess would be mites, then maybe an allergy? or other dermal problem. I think I'd get him to see a vet if you are still unsure.
If he's full of scabs, my first guess would be mites, then maybe an allergy? or other dermal problem. I think I'd get him to see a vet if you are still unsure.
moniqua
Member
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jorats
Loving rats since 2002.
Lice you can see but mites, can't be seen. The scabs are made by the nails not the mites, it's the rat scratching himself that causes the scabs.
moniqua
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lilspaz68
Well-Known Member
http://ratguide.com/health/integumentar ... asites.php
Mites under normal conditions are commensal in small numbers and do not tend to be bothersome to their host. It is when the rat is stressed, has a decreased immunity due to other illnesses, and/or is unable to keep the numbers reduced by normal grooming that causes the mites to flourish in numbers. Inattention to proper husbandry, a rat that is ill, or giving ineffective treatment can lead to reinfestation, and dermatitis. On the average the entire life cycle of the mite beginning with the eggs which hatch in about seven days through the larval, nymphal, and adult stages requires approximately 23 days to complete. It is therefore important to maintain care and follow through with treatment(s) prescribed.
(Commensal = n. An organism participating in a symbiotic relationship in which one species derives some benefit while the other is unaffected. )
Only Buddy is showing the symptoms but they are all infected.
Classic shoulder scabs from mites
Head, cheek and chin scabs on poor Marty
There were 4 boys in the cage.
Marty was most scabby, Webster was 2nd, Charlie had a couple, and Calloway (healthiest and youngest) had none...they were all treated, and I realized afterwards they were all scratching more than they should've and were "infected"
Mites under normal conditions are commensal in small numbers and do not tend to be bothersome to their host. It is when the rat is stressed, has a decreased immunity due to other illnesses, and/or is unable to keep the numbers reduced by normal grooming that causes the mites to flourish in numbers. Inattention to proper husbandry, a rat that is ill, or giving ineffective treatment can lead to reinfestation, and dermatitis. On the average the entire life cycle of the mite beginning with the eggs which hatch in about seven days through the larval, nymphal, and adult stages requires approximately 23 days to complete. It is therefore important to maintain care and follow through with treatment(s) prescribed.
(Commensal = n. An organism participating in a symbiotic relationship in which one species derives some benefit while the other is unaffected. )
Only Buddy is showing the symptoms but they are all infected.
Classic shoulder scabs from mites
Head, cheek and chin scabs on poor Marty
There were 4 boys in the cage.
Marty was most scabby, Webster was 2nd, Charlie had a couple, and Calloway (healthiest and youngest) had none...they were all treated, and I realized afterwards they were all scratching more than they should've and were "infected"
moniqua
Member
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lilspaz68
Well-Known Member
He's probably not grooming as well to keep the resident mites in check. Your dogs are just fine. Rat mites much prefer tasty rats over nasty ol' dogs 
