Wow, it has been awhile since I've been back on the forum! Unfortunately, I'm back in need of some health advice.
I thought my two rescue boys had dermatitis that they were healing from; that's what the rescue told me. See that thread for background here (http://www.ratshackforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33833). I did the coconut oil that jorats and lilspaz advised for awhile, and once it seemed like everything was okay I stopped. However, I've noticed that their fur on their backs - particularly Mario's - is starting to thin again. I can see little scabs, and I'm worried that it's uncomfortable for them. I'm also wondering if it's even dermatitis, which is apparently rare in rats. However, I don't know if what's happening could be explained by mites/lice, especially since they seemed to improve for awhile. The only opportunity for mites to get into the house, aside from the boys, was when we got a couple of mice months ago (but they haven't shown any symptoms, are kept in a separate room, and I don't handle them back to back with the rats). Could it be chronic? Could it be a food allergy that's manifesting itself in their skin/coats?
Alright, second health concern. I think my boys have bumblefoot, and I have no idea how. They live in a single CN with the standard plastic CN base pans. I do not line with fleece, instead I use blank newsprint/packing paper that I change every week, sometimes more. Ever since I noticed their poor feet, I've been using Clorox wipes to wipe down their base pans when I clean instead of organic baby wipes (which don't have as much cleaning power). I'm trying to keep everything germ-free. The only time they're on exposed wire is their litterbox. They would muck around in it and sleep in it before I put the little wire insert in. They did gain a little too much weight for my liking, so maybe there was extra pressure on their feet? I've been cutting down on treats and how much I put in their bowl, and it seems like it's been helping. Every time I think they're getting a little better, I check their cage and find little blots of blood from where someone's foot was acting up while they walked around. What can I do to actively help heal their feet? Is the surface I have them on too hard?
Thank you so much! I just feel like everything's flaring up with my boys all at once, and I want to help them.
I thought my two rescue boys had dermatitis that they were healing from; that's what the rescue told me. See that thread for background here (http://www.ratshackforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33833). I did the coconut oil that jorats and lilspaz advised for awhile, and once it seemed like everything was okay I stopped. However, I've noticed that their fur on their backs - particularly Mario's - is starting to thin again. I can see little scabs, and I'm worried that it's uncomfortable for them. I'm also wondering if it's even dermatitis, which is apparently rare in rats. However, I don't know if what's happening could be explained by mites/lice, especially since they seemed to improve for awhile. The only opportunity for mites to get into the house, aside from the boys, was when we got a couple of mice months ago (but they haven't shown any symptoms, are kept in a separate room, and I don't handle them back to back with the rats). Could it be chronic? Could it be a food allergy that's manifesting itself in their skin/coats?
Alright, second health concern. I think my boys have bumblefoot, and I have no idea how. They live in a single CN with the standard plastic CN base pans. I do not line with fleece, instead I use blank newsprint/packing paper that I change every week, sometimes more. Ever since I noticed their poor feet, I've been using Clorox wipes to wipe down their base pans when I clean instead of organic baby wipes (which don't have as much cleaning power). I'm trying to keep everything germ-free. The only time they're on exposed wire is their litterbox. They would muck around in it and sleep in it before I put the little wire insert in. They did gain a little too much weight for my liking, so maybe there was extra pressure on their feet? I've been cutting down on treats and how much I put in their bowl, and it seems like it's been helping. Every time I think they're getting a little better, I check their cage and find little blots of blood from where someone's foot was acting up while they walked around. What can I do to actively help heal their feet? Is the surface I have them on too hard?
Thank you so much! I just feel like everything's flaring up with my boys all at once, and I want to help them.