Health Care
Rats can get all sorts of medical issues - respiratory infections, asthma, tumours, abscesses, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, broken bones, eye problems, ear infections, parasites and a whole host of other things. Some people seem surprised that all these things can go wrong with rats, as a lot of the time you don't hear about them. But is it really so surprising? After all, humans can have countless medical issues, why not rats?
Another thing that seems to surprise people is just how many treatment options are available. Technically, Baytril (a broad-spectrum antibiotic) is the only drug licensed for use in rats. But that doesn't mean it is the only drug that can be used for them. It is important to remember that rats are regularly used for testing drugs destined for human consumption. Therefore there is a lot of data on dosage and efficacy of a wide range of medications given to rats. As long as you have a good vet who is willing to work with you and try new things, there are few limits in terms of how you can help a poorly rat.
Be aware that rats deteriorate very quickly when sick. As prey animals, they are very good at masking signs of pain and illness to avoid showing vulnerability. If your rat is showing signs of ill health, it is often more ill than you realise, so please don't delay in getting veterinary treatment.
Another thing that seems to surprise people is just how many treatment options are available. Technically, Baytril (a broad-spectrum antibiotic) is the only drug licensed for use in rats. But that doesn't mean it is the only drug that can be used for them. It is important to remember that rats are regularly used for testing drugs destined for human consumption. Therefore there is a lot of data on dosage and efficacy of a wide range of medications given to rats. As long as you have a good vet who is willing to work with you and try new things, there are few limits in terms of how you can help a poorly rat.
Be aware that rats deteriorate very quickly when sick. As prey animals, they are very good at masking signs of pain and illness to avoid showing vulnerability. If your rat is showing signs of ill health, it is often more ill than you realise, so please don't delay in getting veterinary treatment.
Veterinary Care
For all but the most minor health issues for which I have the appropriate experience and materials to deal with (minor injuries, for example), I consult my vet. I am lucky in that I have found an outstanding Veterinary Surgery, with caring, dedicated and knowledgeable staff. It took me a few years to find it, but I have been using them since around 2001 and haven't looked back. Many vets have little to no experience with rats, and I am fortunate enough to have found a place where both main vets are experienced and really know their stuff, in diagnosis, treatment and surgery. Add to this their willingness to always learn new things, and their ability to work with me as a partnership to help my pets, and it all adds up to a fairly ideal situation.
When finding a new vet, I would say the most important thing is to find someone who listens and is willing to learn. Even if they are not very experienced, if they are happy to research to find out the answers when they get stuck, that is a really valuable personality trait, and one that cannot be taught.
When finding a new vet, I would say the most important thing is to find someone who listens and is willing to learn. Even if they are not very experienced, if they are happy to research to find out the answers when they get stuck, that is a really valuable personality trait, and one that cannot be taught.
Vet bills
With so much available to help your rat, veterinary bills can quickly add up. Financial considerations are covered in more detail on the linked page.