I think Jay has an intestinal parasite

[Wonder]

Jay had semi loose stool when I got him last week. I thought nothing of it because rats defecate if they are scared. Well I have been finding semi loose stool in his cage and it's smell is quit strong. He also has gas and it will almost curl your hair. He has been drinking a lot of water the last day or two also. Question: is there a treatment for intestinal parasites I can use without a vet visit? Does my diagnosis seem accurate? I did find a small animal vet but its long drive and not cheap. Not that money has anything to do with it but I'm hoping for a simple cure.

Thanks
Bill

 

[Shelley]

I'm not an expert, but there is a chance it could just be from his diet change. Sometimes it can take a while for their body to adjust to a new food, especially after they have been eating a poor quality diet previously.

edit: also wanted to add it could be from the environment change. Sometimes they are stressed until they settle in, and that can cause stinky poops as well. Definitely keep an eye on him, and if it gets worse or doesn't improve soon, it may be something else.

 

[SQ]

probiotics may help loose stool
The brat diet might help if if is not parasites: see viewtopic.php?f=21&t=8456&p=115769&hilit=brat+diet#p115769

Gas can be very dangerous so if he has a lot you may need to give him meds. I have given rats in distress from gas 1 drop of ovol a day if required. This was done under vet supervision. Ovol is an over the counter med for infants. It would be best to consult your vet about this.

If it is parasites, revolution might help as it kills some types of internal parasites. Otherwise the vet will need to test in order to discover what type of parasites in order to provide the correct meds.

 

[jorats]

I would try the probiotic first as well... give him time to get used to his new foods, stop any fruits and go easy on the veggies. If it's still the same then I'd get him to a vet for Ivermectin.

 

[Wonder]

Thanks for the information everyone. I will give it a few days and if necessary vet him into the vet.