📄️ Common Health Issues
An overview of the most common health issues affecting pet rats, focusing on the chronic nature of Mycoplasma respiratory infections, the high incidence of mammary tumors, and conditions like bumblefoot.
📄️ Diabetes
Diabetes Mellitus is a condition in which the body either fails to produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively, resulting in persistently high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). While not common in pet rats, it does occur — particularly in older or overweight individuals — and requires prompt veterinary attention and a committed management plan. Understanding the signs, how diagnosis works, and what treatment looks like can make a significant difference for an affected rat 1.
📄️ Mycoplasma
If you're a rat owner, you've likely heard the term 'myco.' Mycoplasma pulmonis is a species of bacteria that is the primary cause of chronic respiratory disease (CRD) in pet rats. It's a pervasive...
📄️ External Parasites
A guide to external parasites affecting pet rats, including mites, lice, fleas, ticks, and ringworm — how to recognize them, treat them safely, and prevent future infestations.
📄️ Respiratory Infections (URIs)
Respiratory illness is one of the most common health issues affecting pet rats. Nearly all domestic rats are carriers of Mycoplasma pulmonis, the primary bacterium responsible for these infections...
📄️ Kidney & Urinary Disorders
An in-depth guide to kidney and urinary disorders in rats, with a focus on Chronic Progressive Nephropathy (CPN), a common age-related disease.
📄️ Leptospirosis
An important guide to leptospirosis in rats, a zoonotic bacterial disease, explaining its transmission, signs, and the critical importance of hygiene for pet owners.
📄️ Internal Parasites (Worms)
A guide to internal parasites (worms) in pet rats, including pinworms and tapeworms. Most infections are asymptomatic and harmless, but this guide explains how they are diagnosed and treated.