Mite question

[Audrey]

I have once again aquired a rat with mites, but severe this time. His name is Shakespeare.  I don't know if they are mites or lice, but I have treated him for it with ivermectin, in horse wormer.  He has them so bad though I wonder if I should also dip him.  I have heard it is ok to use flea dip that is safe for kittens.  But I do not want to do this if it is not safe, especially in combination with the ivermectin. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!  If I can do this I want to do it soon, you know, eeeeewwwww.  Thanks!

[Suebee]

I wouldn't do both - the ivermectin should do the job just fine. There's no reason to double-expose him to any treatments.

It might not hurt to give him a -regular- bath, though, to help him feel better and wash away the dead bugs. Be sure to dry him well so he doesn't catch a draft....

[SonyaFancifulRats]

I really don't like flea dips, period, even ones labeled "safe" for kittens are pretty rough... I would never think of putting it on sensitive small animal, kitten, rat, etc...Maybe I am overly paranoid after working at the vet and seeing the "worse case scenarios" of poisoned pets...  I'd rather be safe than sorry.

[Audrey]

Thanks guys, I will not dip him.  He will be getting a regular bath with baby shampoo, I can't believe all the bugs that are making their way to the ends of his hair!  I have never seen lice so bad!  I am wondering if he is going to need a trip to the vet for this case?  

[scout]

If you don't see any improvement, or you're not happy with the improvement he's made after a few days, then I would go to the vet. I think the only risk is a possibility that some of the bites will become infected. The vet really can't administer more ivermectin since overdoses are toxic. I suppose you could clean the cage again
I have a flea comb that I groom my rats with. Something like that might help pull more bugs out of his coat. Good luck to you and Shakespeare!

[Paul]

I've heard that you also need to watch out that your rat's energy levels don't drop if they've had a big infestation.
Apparently they can go slightly aneamic, so check gums and inside the mouth etc for signs of paleness.
Again, I have been told that rats often have eggs lying dormant on their skin and these only hatch when the rat's immune system is low, so look out for any other signs of illness.

Paul

[Audrey]

Thanks again all, I gave Shakespeare a bath and I think he feels better.  I honestly can't believe how many bugs and nits are/were on him.  I am wondering if his excellent temperment is partly just not feeling good.  But he let me bathe him and hold him like such a little (actually big) gentleman.

[Anna]

A good dip in VetRX (from the ratalogue) cured my infested little pet shop boy.
How long since you gave him the invectrimin (sp?) how much did he get, and how many doses?
I usually go for the 3 weeks of dosing them, to be safe.
Good Luck
Anna