puffy... could it be change in seasons?| cold tail/warm body

[ChrisK]

Skittles is 34 months old, with 3 large tumors. I've noticed that she's somewhat puffy here and there, but in the last week or so, puffy more often, and all the time now today. I brought her to the vet last week, but other than the tumors having grown, he's found nothing wrong. He suggested it could be she may be cold due to change of seasons. I've got the heat on at home, but it is cooler than it was a few weeks ago during summer.

I wondered if anyone else has observed their ratties puffing up some when the seasons change? Is that a normal thing?

She's still eating normally and otherwise seems okay. But I am concerned about things like this because of her age and large tumors.

 

[jorats]

Unfortunately, I've noticed it in mine too. Since my furnace has started I've got a couple of rats sounding congested.

 

[hopefloats]

Mine do that as well when they are cold. I have found the plastic igloos type house to be the best to retain heat. I had about 10 boys in there one day, stuck my hand in there, I couldnt believe the heat that was in there. Honestly if it was big enough my butt would be in there I am always freezing. I have so many puff balls right now, it puts me on guard. I am not sure how puffing up can help with heat LOL but it must.

 

[ChrisK]

Honestly if it was big enough my butt would be in there I am always freezing.

:laugh4:

 

[Dahlas]

Maybe try adding some blankets for snuggling in. Older animals have a hard time keeping warm.....so she just might need some more bedding.

 

[ChrisK]

I'm thinking you may be right, Dahlas. I just had Skittles out for a while and she snuggled in my house coat and got really toasty warm. When I put her back in her cage, I added a fleece cover for the side of the cage, to protect her from any potential drafts. And I added some fleece inside, which for now I actually put over her as a blanket. I'm sure she'll rearrange it to suit her needs.

I'll be able to keep an eye tonight, as I'm working 'till 3am (from home), so I can always adjust / add more fleece, etc. as needed tonight.

 

[ChrisK]

This morning I've noticed that her tail is cold but her body is warm. I don't understand that. Isn't the tail supposed to regulate temperature? Why would it be so cold when the rest of her body is so warm?

 

[hopefloats]

I am glad you asked that. I notice that in some of my rats. Generally when it is chilly. I see it in my healthy ones too so I would think it is just cold. I would like to see what it is. I have a bunch of males out right now, and most of them have chilly tails. Does she have buddies to curl up with?

 

[Kibble]

Mine get cold tails, too! They might be pulling the blood back into their body, rather than expose it to so much surface area where it could get cooled down...? Like an elephants' ears.

 

[ChrisK]

Oh thanks for that! I'm glad/relieved to hear it. And yes... that makes sense to me, now that you've said it lol

Sadly, Skittles does not have a friend to cuddle with. She has other ratties close by but not in cage with her. But in the meantime, we give her all the extra lovin' we can. (and lots and lots of fleece!)

ck

 

[victoria]

I've noticed the same thing with my rats, especially the older ones. I think it's like when our hands/feet/noses feel cold when we are chilly.

 

[Joanne]

This morning I've noticed that her tail is cold but her body is warm. I don't understand that. Isn't the tail supposed to regulate temperature? Why would it be so cold when the rest of her body is so warm?

The tail does regulate body temperature. When she is feeling too warm, the blood vessels in the tail dilate, bringing more blood to the surface of the tail so that the heat can dissipate. The tail will feel warm. The cooler blood then returns to her core, cooling her down. When she is cold, the opposite occurs. The blood vessels constrict, reducing the amount of blood flowing to her extremities, reducing the amount of heat lost, keeping her warmer. So her tail feels cold when she's conserving heat.
Just like when you are cold, your hands, feet, nose, and other extremities are cold. Your body is trying to conserve heat.

 

[hopefloats]

This morning I've noticed that her tail is cold but her body is warm. I don't understand that. Isn't the tail supposed to regulate temperature? Why would it be so cold when the rest of her body is so warm?

The tail does regulate body temperature. When she is feeling too warm, the blood vessels in the tail dilate, bringing more blood to the surface of the tail so that the heat can dissipate. The tail will feel warm. The cooler blood then returns to her core, cooling her down. When she is cold, the opposite occurs. The blood vessels constrict, reducing the amount of blood flowing to her extremities, reducing the amount of heat lost, keeping her warmer. So her tail feels cold when she's conserving heat.
Just like when you are cold, your hands, feet, nose, and other extremities are cold. Your body is trying to conserve heat.

Thanks that is quite awesome to hear.

 

[*Rebel_Angel*]

So is this the start of cold weather for our rats?

I need more hammies and blankets for the oldies and the babies also, they are housed downstairs...coolest place in summer..coldest place in winter.
Is their a way I could keep them warm if I can't move the cage upstairs?

Some of mine sound congested also.

 

[Sharlees rattakisses]

Olive has grown peach fuzz.
She is really wants a fur coat but I am too cheap to buy her one. :giggle:
She feels like a "hot pocket." and is quite popular with the others at the moment.