The purpose of this page is to answer some questions that come up with regularity, and to prevent the Moderators from developing carpal tunnel syndrome from answering them over and over again! Of course, if your question is not answered here, or you want more information, always feel free to ask!

This page is also not meant to take the place of veterinary care. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

Click on the question below and it will take you to the answer!

1. What is bruxing?
   
2. My rat's nose is bleeding!
   
3. My rat has myco! What is it?
   
4. Can my rat catch my cold?
   
5. What is bumblefoot?
   
6. How much sneezing is too much?
   
7. What is head tilt?
   
8. My rat is having problems with her back legs!
   
9. My rat ate my petunias! Is he going to be ok?
   
10. What foods shouldn't I feed to my rats?
    
11. Is chocolate poisonous to my rat?
    

What is bruxing?

Bruxing refers to a rat grinding his teeth together. The grinding makes a noise that has been described as sounding like rubbing two rocks together. This is usually a sign of contentment - much like a cat purring. It can also occur when a rat is extremely stressed or upset.

My rat's nose is bleeding!

It is probably not blood. The mucous and tear ducts of rats' contain a substance called porphyrin which gives their tears and "snot" a distinctive red coloration. Evidence of porphyrin is not really a reason for concern. Some rats will have a little in their eyes or nose when they first wake up - much like humans will wake up with "eye crusties". It is the amount which can signal problems. Excessive production can be a symptom of stress (such as a move to a new home, or a new cagemate), or can signal the beginnings of a respiratory infection. When in doubt, consult with your vet.

My rat has myco! What is it?

Mycoplasmosis pulmonis is highly contagious and is transmitted through the air (via coughing or sneezing), sexual contact, and passage through the birth canal of an infected mother. For that reason, virtually all of our domestic pet rats are exposed to it from birth.

The organism does not cause illness unless it multiplies and causes an infection. Factors such as age, illness (such as other bacterial infections or virus), stress, unclean conditions, injury, or other factors suppress the immune system and allow the bacteria to multiply and cause sickness.

Can my rat catch my cold?

Rarely, some viruses can cause respiratory symptoms in rats, but they can't get the common cold or any cold that a human has. the most common cause of respiratory illness in rats in bacterial infection. You can pass certain strep bacteria to your rat and it is always a good idea to wash your hands before and after handling your rat whether you are sick or not.

What is bumblefoot?

Ulcerative pododermatitis is also known as bumblefoot. The "bumbles" are really a form of an abscess commonly caused by the bacteria Staphyloccus aureus. Treatment usually includes a course of antibiotics and there is a product called Blu-Kote which many rat owners have used with varying degrees of success.

Initially, it was commonly thought that walking on uncovered wire mesh floors and balconies was a major cause of bumblefoot. However, some rat owners have noticed that many cases of bumblefoot occur in cages with covered floors. A new hypothesis has been proposed which states that it is the constant exposure to urine (pooled on covered floors) that is causing the bumblefoot to occur. It has not been conclusively proven that covered or uncovered wire is better, but most rat owners choose a solid floor for a cage, and may or may not cover balconies or half floors. Above all, keeping a clean cage is the best prevention for bumblefoot.

How much sneezing is too much?

Respiratory illnesses are the most common causes of illness and death in our pet rats. Since all rats are exposed to certain bacteria that can cause infection, symptoms of respiratory illness should be checked out by a vet promptly.

Infections may not always show symptoms right away and often start with sneezing. Respiratory infections can progress from sniffles to bronchial pneumonia quickly and can cause permanent damage to lung tissue and even be fatal. Your vet can treat mycoplasmal and bacterial infections with appropriate antibiotics.

While most sneezes are nothing to "sneeze at" and are often a sign of infection - not every sneeze is a cause for concern. Rats can sneeze at dusty conditions or allergens like people. Constant, or frequent sneezing, though, is almost always a sign of trouble.

See your vet promptly if your rat has any of these symptoms:

• frequent sneezing
• coughing, clicking, or rattling sounds in the chest
• churring or purring sounds
• runny nose or red stains around the nose (porphyrin)
• porphyrin stains around the eyes, runny eyes
• squinty eyes
• hunched posture
• lack of appetite or interest in drinking water

What is head tilt?

Head tilt is also known as "Wry Neck Syndrome" and is really one symptom for several possible diseases.

Other symptoms may include:

• Leaning to one side
• Walking in circles (and difficulty walking a straight line)
• Difficulty maintaining balance, and rolling to one side

Possible diseases include a bacterial infection of the ear/inner ear, pituitary tumor, and stroke. The most common is an ear infection. Infections can be controlled with antibiotics, and corticosteroids are often used to reduce inflammation and swelling, to control symptoms. If you suspect that your rat has a head tilt, see your veterinarian as prompt treatment is crucial for a complete recovery. However, keep in mind that some red or pink eyed rats sometimes "sway" due to their poor eyesight. It's not head tilt, it is nearsightedness.

My rat is having problems with her back legs!

Hind limb paralysis or weakness is quite common in domestic rats. There are various reasons for this condition, and the onset is not usually sudden, but occurs gradually in stages. Generally, it is older rats which are affected, but it can occur in fairly young rats as well.

Possible causes include spinal compression (due to degeneration of the spine, which can be complicated by age or obesity), pituitary adenomas or tumors. Strokes can also cause paralysis, but the onset is usually sudden, and may affect only one side of the body. More uncommon causes include central nervous system infections, toxic poisoning, or other rare defects of the brain or nervous system.

Only your vet can evaluate your rat, and decide on an appropriate course of treatment, which may include prednisone or glucosamine to alleviate symptoms. You may have to make cage rearrangements as the condition progresses - put food and water in more accessible places, block off ramps and ladders to eliminate a fall potential, cover floors as the limbs begin to drag, or help with grooming.

Again, it is best to seek veterianary advice for the care and treatment for your rat. Most petshops do not have the qualifications necessary to deal with rat health care.

My rat ate my petunias! Is he going to be ok?

The following information is from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. The list refers to toxicity in cats and dogs, however, most of the plants listed are suspect for toxicity in most species. This is NOT a comprehensive list. For specific information, consult your veterinarian, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP.

(1) It is the ROOT of the alfalfa plant which contains saponins.

(2) In the #106/March 2001 issue of the Rat Report, Debbie Ducommun uses avacado as the Treat of the Month. "A favorite with almost all rats is avocado. Although high in fat, it is healthy fat, and a piece 3/4" square can be given once a week."

(3) Onions contain the chemical n-propyl disulfide. Ingestion of LARGE amounts of raw or cooked onions in some animal species can cause toxicity from this chemical. N-propyl disulfide denatures hemoglobin, leading to destruction of red blood cells. This causes anemia, weakness, jaundice, bloody urine and eventually death 1-6 days after the ingestion.

It is not known if rats, as a species, have sensitivity to this chemical. Dogs, cats, and rabbits are known to have toxic reactions if fed large amounts relative to their weight.

What foods shouldn't I feed to my rats?

This is by no means a comprehensive list regarding foods to avoid. But it does reflect some of the more common ones asked about on the forum.

• Carbonated beverages - rats cannot burp, so the gas can cause severe discomfort.
• Citrus fruit for male rats - contains a substance called d-limonene which can cause a carcinogenic effect. A good article is located here.
• Raw tofu or meat - due to the threat of bacteria.
• Raw sweet potatoes - contains compounds which are converted to cyanide in the stomach. Cooked are fine.
• Potatoes with green skins (cooked or raw) - contain a toxin called solanine.
• Raw dried legumes (including peanuts) - contain anti-nutrients that destroy vitamin A and enzymes needed to digest proteins and starches. Can also cause red blood cells to clump.
• Spinach, beets, almonds, and Swiss chard - contain oxalates, which are toxins that bind up calcium. Debbie D. recommends that they be limited, not eliminated from the diet.
• Sticky foods like peanut butter, some candy, and dried fruits - poses a choking hazard. Peanut butter can be "cut" with jam or honey to make it more liquid, and reduce the possibility of choking.
• Wild insects - can carry internal parasites and diseases.

Is chocolate poisonous to my rat?

The component in chocolate which is toxic to dogs is called theobromine. According to this article in the May/June 1996 Rat & Mouse Gazette, studies done on the effects of theobromine on rats showed the only effects of very high doses (500 mg/kg for 5 to 7 days) was sterility in male rats. Pregnant female rats were fed high levels of cocoa powder (5 to 7.5% of total diet every day) did not exhibit signs of toxicity. Their pups were slightly smaller than normal.

While chocolate is not toxic to rats and mice in the same way that it is to dogs, it is still a sugary treat with no nutritional value, and for that reason should be given sparingly.