lines - HIGH WHITE

[capslock]

I have been reading alot lately about the high white gene and how these rats are most at risk for megacolon.
When speaking in rescue/petstore rat terms, what are the chances of rats with white markings carrying this gene?
Or is it the white more likely caused by H-locus?
I am kind of confused, very new to the lines of rats.
Is H-locus or high-white more common in rescue/petstore rats?

Cansomeone explain this to me in laymen terms, please?

 

[jorats]

I honestly don't think people really know the truth about high whites. Some make assumptions and theories based on their experience. But unless someone actually scientifically breaks it down, we'll never know for sure.

From what I've seen myself, I wouldn't consider megacolon to be common. I first heard of it in 2002 in Northern Ontario, close to Winnipeg, a rattery had it in her lines but she was selling to pet stores as well. I've also seen it in the maritime as well as Quebec. But that doesn't mean that it doesn't exists elsewhere, not everyone can identify the illness and not everyone will post about it. When you have a high white litter and babies mysteriously die in the litter, you have to consider that might have been due to megacolon.

Most people will tell you that only those with high white markings will develop or carry megacolon. This is simply not true.
There were berkshires that carried the high white gene, they came from a high white mom and a berkshire dad.
That berk was bought at a pet store and used in a Quebec rattery. The litter he produced died a horrible death due to megacolon.

Each time you breed you take a huge risk.

 

[capslock]

I do not breed, don't worry!

 

[jorats]

Oh I didn't mean it for you, I just mean for anyone who's thinking of putting their rats together so they can have fun with babies.

 

[capslock]

I already have rescue bubs here now, and boy they are fun!
And adorable!
Though I wouldn't breed just for the fun of it, I wouldnt breed at all.
Haha. I will probably post pics of the bubs today or tmo.
One is dwarf! I think anyways, he is slowing down in growth in comaprrison to his ciblings, though he seems healthy.
He eats a ton, he is really active, normal bowel movement, etc.
The vet said that dwarfism in rats, like in humans, will sometimes arise spontaniously without known dwarf genes in the lines.
She had a very LONG explanation, much of which I really did not understand.
But she said that JR is healthy, and that is what matter!