very red skin!!

samantha27 · Nov 15, 2011

Hi i work at an animal shelter, we just got in a rat today and her skin is very very red i immediately thought of mites but i don't see any little bite marks and she is not itching at all , i have 3 rats of my own at home but they have never had mites so i don't know what to look for on her.

She was also being kept in pine bedding which i have heard is not the best ( i use blankets ) could this be the cause?

She is going to my vet tomorrow , just wondering if anyone had any ideas ?

victoria · Nov 15, 2011

It could be an allergic reaction to pine... is she hairless or does she have fur? It could just as likely be parasites, they don't always present in the same way. Can you take a picture?

Pine (and even more so cedar) is not good to use with rat because the phenols the wood as they can irritate and damage their respiratory tract and may cause cancer.

jorats · Nov 15, 2011

I've seen that before... and often wondered what it could be. I don't know if it indicates illness. Does the rat seem warm to the touch, the ears especially?

Godmother · Nov 15, 2011

I once adopted two rats who had been fed cat food before I got them. Their fur was thin, and the skin was very pink. The girls were very itchy. I think the problem was due to overly-high protein content in their food. Hope they are soon feeling better.

samantha27 · Nov 16, 2011

They were feeding her this "rat food" for a dollerama , yes she does feel hot but she is not itchy , she is going to a vet at 330 today so i'll let you guys know what he says. but she seems to be okay other then a uri.