Mites

[PitLuvs]

So I am wondering...

Since I have brought Cas home, I've noticed the other 3 boys have started to look a little skittish, a little disturbed we'll say. Their fur has become oily, sparse and discolored. Over all, they look like sh*t. I switched their food, thinking it might be the protein being too much or the home mix just being horrible. But they have been on that for a while and there is not much change. All boys seem to be "rusting" as they are black rats. Could it be mites? If so, what would one get from the vet for treatment? I have an appointment to take them in at the end of this month, my vet says he is knowledgable with rats but I would like to run it by the rat world first, so I am not hoodwinked with his fancy mumbo jumbo he might sling my way. Id like for my boys to get back to their fluffy happy selves. This is also going to be my vets first time with my rats, I pray he knows what he's doing. He's amazing with my dog (Pitbull who doesnt trust vets) and was perfect with my ferrets.

 

[Rachael]

Are there any scabs?

If they are missing fur and there is a noticeable difference I would treat them for mites anyway.

The rusting isn't anything to do with the mites, though.

 

[xxchelle]

Rusting can be due to a couple things, including age and poor diet.

 

[jorats]

How old are your boys?
Mites can cause for a very bad coat, you could ask for Revolution.
But if they are older rats, that can happen as well when they stop grooming as much. Or if they are younger rats and they are coming into maturity this is when they start to produce a lot of sebum.

 

[PitLuvs]

3 are getting close to a year, Cas is 5-6mths. Ive noticed spots of blood in their nesting areas from scratching as well if that helps. So rusting isnt all that bad? I noticed Stewart (actually tara did) was rusting when I got him.

I'll go in with Revolution on the brain then. And see what he says. There are no scabs and no hair loss, they just look like crap since Cas came in. Id like to restore my boys to their glorious state lol

 

[jorats]

If your vet is more comfortable with Ivermectin, that's ok too. But ask him if you can give it orally instead of a shot.