Unusual Hair Loss

Thanks to help I received from this forum, my little Oliver has been happy and healthy ever since his health scare... and I got 2 more boys.

I've noticed something concerning on my other older rat and thought I'd try here again as my breeder didn't know what it could be. He's got a bald spot in a vertical line along his spine and it's been getting worse. I don't see any barbering (not to mention this is my dominant boy - he doesn't put up with being fussed over by the other), I don't see any problems on the skin (besides the hair loss), and I combed through the rest of his fur checking for anything weird... nothing.

His behavior/health otherwise seems fine and it doesn't appear to be bothering him but it's got me really worried since it seems to be getting worse.

If anyone has any ideas I'd appreciate any info! Thanks.

Can you feel any tiny scabs on him? Around his shoulder and around the ball spot area? It could be mites or it could be that his cage mate is barbering him.

jorats said:

Can you feel any tiny scabs on him? Around his shoulder and around the ball spot area? It could be mites or it could be that his cage mate is barbering him.

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I've checked his skin and it's smooth. I've been keeping an eye on them and don't think it's barbering. I've had them for a year and a half and have never dealt with that before. The hair seems more coarse as well, not soft like usual.

How old is your boy? Sometimes hairloss can happen with oldies. Any chance he's a poor rex?

lilspaz68 said:

How old is your boy? Sometimes hairloss can happen with oldies. Any chance he's a poor rex?

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He's definitely not a Rex - had his history from the rattery. He's just over a year and a half. Got him as soon as he was good to leave his Mama. And he's still very spry! I'll post another closer pic in a bit... it's all in one area but it's such a weird pattern. I've had to take one of my boys to the vet and it was like a $200 excursion... hoped I could find some ideas on here before taking my college textbook money to pay for another vet visit

At 18 months there are a lot of physical changes that can/do happen. Their immune system isn't as strong so they might start getting respiratory issues, their fur can change. My poor rexes often would be bare patches just after a year old but ive seen bare patches on older rats. His coat may be aging faster than the rest of him. Their body shape changes as well.
As for a vet visit, there's no parasites or skin irritations so I wouldn't bother with a vet visit. IF he develops symptoms like lethargy, sudden weight loss, etc then you might want to but for now I would keep your money for something more serious and potentially treatable.