WHEN TO TAKE YOUR RAT TO THE VET

[WS]

Take your pet to the vet immediately if you notice:

*unconsciousness, disorientation, or spastic movements

*bleeding

*immobility: sudden impaired movement in any limbs, lameness, swelling of limbs

*traumatic injury such as, wounds, lacerations, attack by another animal, fall, being stepped on, etc.

*exposure to the elements: extreme heat or cold

*foreign bodies or injury to the eyes:  discharge, swelling, cloudiness of lens

*blood in mucous, stools, urine, anus, genitals

*ingestion of poisonous materials (plants, household cleansers, anti-freeze)

*gasping for breath

*fingers, nails, toes, gums and ears turning pale or blue

*sudden uncommon lethargy, inactivity, refusal to eat or drink

See your vet prompty if you notice:

upper respiratory symptoms including: 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.   (* a note about porphyrin: this is an iron oxide pigment in tears and mucous that can look like blood around the eyes and nose. Some rats produce more than others and it is not always a sign of illness. But increased porphyrin stains or runny eyes, nose, from what is usual for the animal can be signs of illness, pain or stress)  

*slight blood in mucous, stools, urine, anus, genitals

*weight loss, intermittent diarrhea or constipation, chronic intestinal symptoms:  persistent diarrhea,  reduced appetite,  persistent constipation

*unusual swelling in any part of the body or unusual discharge

*lumps or tumors

*hair loss, scabs, or persistent scratching

*gradual impairment of limbs, hind limb paralysis, lameness

*changes in behaviour or other unusual health symptoms
 
 
 
I'm providing this guideline because some people check this forum when their pet is in serious trouble and I see some instances where an emergency vet visit would be recommended.

This forum is not intended to replace veterinary advice and it is unethical for ANYONE -even if trained and qualified-  to give specific treatment recommendations without being able to take an animal's history and examination.   (This is why having a good vet is so important... one who will see you in times of wellness and emergency and answer questions )   -- This forum is a good place to get advice and information but it doesn't replace veterinary attention.  

[Suebee]

Since this now exists, I unstickied the other thread.

[shadowfox]

Great list!  I love your avatar, too, that's some artwork.  Just to maybe clear something up in case a newbie comes on and gets worried, it's not uncommon for ratties to have some porphyrin around their eyes and possibly nose if they've been sleeping, and it's also possible for the nose to run a little porphyrin sometimes.  Be concerned with staining in the mentioned areas accompanied by other symptoms mentioned in the list.  If your ratty has been running around and you catch a little porphyrin on her nose, don't get too worried.  Just keep a close eye on her for a day or so and if the running persists or gets worse, take her to a vet.  Everybody's nose runs sometimes.  Rarely is porphyrin staining NOT accompanied by at least SOME other symptoms.  However, the owners retains ultimate discretion as to when to take the ratty to the vet as he/she will know her own ratties best.  There's nothing wrong with being overly cautious.  Better to err on the side of caution rather than thinking you have a HE-RAT.

[Melanie]

Just thought that I would add that most vets know less about the health of rats than I do.  Sometimes when I need emergency care, I need to argue with the ER vet to obtain the proper treatment that I know needs to be done based on past experience and working closely with my daytime vet.  

I am not saying that you should not take your animal to the vet, but I am saying that you should have a good idea of what you need to have done for your pet rat and direct your vet in that direction.  Debbie's health book has been my bible.  I have read it front to back several times so that I am informed and can refer back.   My  day vet and I  have learned on the fly what to do in all sorts of health instances based on Debbie's book.  We have not lost a single rat yet after 18 months.  We had some close calls and bad prognosis' where we did not think a rat would pull through the day, and if we had not had Debbie's book those rats surely would have died.  

P.S.  My vet and I  have some good hypotheses on how to beat Myco flare-ups for good.  We are not ready to print these ideas yet as our research still continues, but if anyone wants some info on our research, email me directly.
   
servinglawyers@msn.com

[SmSweetAngelGirl]

That's A Great List...Thanks

[RattyDaddy]

I would also like to add that routine checkups aren't a bad idea either.  I have to take JC in soon...  I think he has nasal congestion.  He's pretty happy otherwise.

[virgil]

it's also possible for the nose to run a little porphyrin sometimes.  

is that the bit of red that comes out of their nose sometimes?

[Suebee]

Yes.

(note: this thread is really not intended for discussion... it's for making a list of things that tell you you should just go to the vet instead of posting here first)

[sugarfoxx]

Another good thing to do while preparing to visit the vet is if your dealing with one that is only semi-educated in the care of our fuzzy friends, it is a good idea to have a file with information pertaining to the care and treatment of rats. For example, rats can take VALIUM. Many vets do not know this. I was told this by two exotic pet vets that are very up to date on rat care.  I also read it on the net. I make sure I print out articles of interest in rat care.  Also I made sure to make a note of the proper way to put our friends to sleep.  Many vets will simply use injection which we all know is very painful to them.  
I dont want to go on and on about stuff on this thread since its not inteded for discussion but thought by adding to this thread to carry along a file with the info needed.  I doubt the vet will be insulted. In fact the last vet at the ER vet clinic last week was very very interested in hearing the different things about rats that he didnt know.....like that they have a dry bite and also have pink tainted saliva thus in turn is why our PEWS or other rats with white coats tend to stain a pink color due to their pink SPIT from grooming!   The vets around here know the basics if and I stress the word IF they even see them. I have been turned down alot too which I respect totally. I would rather have them say NO we dont know much about Rats....instead of having me come in......spend money for nothing and put their lives in danger by having a vet guess his treatment.

[TopoLM]

Sugar, rats are given valium to help them die. Not because they are in pain. There is a big difference. There is an article on the Rat and Mouse Club site under Euthanasia.

[sugarfoxx]

Hey Lisa......got your message via the PM.
 I guess I should have made myself clear on the valium.  When Patterson was dying and having seizures I was told I could have given him valium to help calm him and help him go to sleep peacefully.

Now of course I wouldnt give it to my hyper boys to calm them! :huh:

I better watch what I say on here but I am sure nobody will listen to me anyhow! I babble so much!  LOL