There is an opinion that rats are not susceptible to anything and are extremely tenacious. This is not true. And with regard to decorative rats - especially. They are extremely sensitive and prone to a variety of diseases. Owners of decorative rats should learn how to make the correct diagnosis on their own (especially if there is no specialist nearby - a doctor-ratologist) and know how to treat at least the most common diseases among rats.
Instructions
Step 1
Mycoplasmosis
A very common ailment in rats. Its most common cause is the presence in the upper respiratory tract of decorative rats of the microorganism Mycoplasma pulmonsis, which causes various types of mycoplasmosis. This microorganism is characterized by an inactive state, i.e. when everything is in order, he does not show himself in any way and does no harm to the rat. But the slightest decrease in immunity provokes Mycoplasma pulmonsis to activate.
The reasons for the decrease in immunity can be secondary infections, stress, improper maintenance or improper feeding. Mycoplasmosis can be identified by the characteristic grunting, snarling, heavy, sobbing, breathing and frequent sneezing of the rodent.
Step 2
Treatment of mycoplasmosis, like any infectious disease, is carried out with the use of antibiotics. The use of macrolides (azithromycin, tylosin), tetracyclines (doxycycline, oxytetracycline), lincosamides (lincomycin) is suitable. Try not to resort to antibiotics of the penicillin group, because decorative rats are hypersensitive to them (severe allergies can begin). The course of antibiotic treatment is 14 days (at least), however, it will be better if you increase this period to 21 or even 35 days. If you stop treatment after 4-5 days (you think that the rat is feeling better), then you will turn your ward into a chronicle.
During the treatment period, supportive therapy is required - the use of various immunomodulators. For example, cycloferon, fosprenil, gamavit, lycopid. You can try to give a little warm "live" kefir.
Step 3
Isolation of porphyrin
Often, the owners of decorative rats are frightened when they notice that … blood is flowing from the eyes and nose of the animal. This is not blood. This is porphyrin - the secret of the hardera (hardarian) gland. A dark red discharge indicates that your pet is uncomfortable. Perhaps he is experiencing stress (after a swim, which he does not like, unfamiliar surroundings, transportation, loud noises, noise, excessive squeezing in his hands, etc.).
It is easy to check if it is porphyrin or blood. Collect the discharge on a cotton pad and drip with hydrogen peroxide. Unlike blood, porphyrin will not dissolve.
Step 4
Treatment consists of providing a comfortable environment for the rodent, food it loves, vitamins, and affection. If the discharge does not stop, is abundant and, in your opinion, there are no reasons for their appearance, contact your veterinarian, because this could be a symptom of a serious medical condition.
Step 5
Combs
This is the scourge of almost all decorative rats. No matter how well you look after them, scratches inevitably appear from time to time. Self-medication in this case cannot be done, you need to know the exact reason. There are three main reasons - parasites, allergies, fungus.
Step 6
Ectoparasites in your rat can only be determined by a doctor after skin scraping and analysis. If the analysis showed the presence of parasites, the doctor will prescribe a medicine for you, with which the animal (strictly following the instructions) can be treated at home.
In the same way, the appointment of antifungal drugs can only be done by a veterinarian (taking into account each specific case).
You can determine the allergy yourself. If you changed the filler or feed, gave the animal something that was not given before (sweets, smoked meats, salinity) and soon noticed that your pet itches (often to blood), just exclude all your innovations, keep the rat on a diet, go back to your old filler and scratches will heal quickly. Your doctor may prescribe an ointment to relieve itching, use them.
