Eczema in rats?

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Corinna Bridges

New Member
Joined
Dec 12, 2019
Messages
2
Location
VT, USA
My new 6-week old rats developed eczema shortly after arriving at our house. The only change to diet was that I introduced a little Oxbow young mouse/rat food (they were solely on the Adult Oxbow formula), as well as a variety of raw veggies and fruit. The only thing they really seem to like is raw kale. Could the skin irritation be from change in diet or something else? I haven’t seen excessive scratching. The eczema is at the scruff of their necks, between shoulder blades and a little on one of their noses. The are not fighting, no bloody scratches or bites. I should add these are our only rats and I’m using critter care bedding.
 
Can you get a photo of it.? I'm not sure what it could be myself but a picture might help the more experienced people on here.! (Assuming they sit still long enough.!)
 
So I’ve had an impossible time trying to take a picture. I’ll try again tomorrow with my husbands help.

They are furry. I did notice a fair amount of scratching today. When I pull back their fur, I can see a teeny tiny bit of brownish scabbing. When I pet them over the rashy spots it feels rough and scaly. This is definitely a new rash. We’ve had them for only 3 days and they were soft and silky when we brought them home. We bought them at a local pet store from a local breeder. I removed everything from their diet but the adult oxbow formula they had at the pet store to see if that helps. I read something online about mites? Would ring worm or a bacterial infection cause this too?
 
Sounds like mites. You can't see them, and some vets will try to do a scraping, but they won't be able to see them. But the vet needs to prescribe kitten revolution for that. If it's small little scabs, on their shoulders and face, I would say mites. Often the stress of a new home will get them out of control. But a pic is definitely needed. I'd say Lilspaz is probably one of the best people to help you with figuring that stuff out. She can also help with med dosing. But if you haven't read it already, www.ratguide.com has some great info on rat health stuff.
 
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This was the best I could get. It doesn’t show up well, just looks scruffy. I’m leaning towards the mites, without any knowledge. It has been a stressful transition I’m sure. They were “grooming” each other. Hopefully not biting each other, I haven’t seen this happen. Where can I find revolution? Pet store? Vet? Should I also add echinacea drops to their water?
 
They definitely aren't fighting. If they were, fur would be flying, and blood drawn. Hair would also be standing on end.

Vet has to prescribe it. NEVER use over the counter flea meds on rats. They have ingredients in them that are harmful to rats.

Also, it's never a good idea to add ANYTHING to a rat's water. Just make sure they have a couple of water bottles, and a water dish that can't be tipped over. I use bird dishes for this. You can get them cheap on Amazon or at a pet supply shop. :)
 
I found a vet who will prescribe kitten revolution without a visit. I’ll use the dosage guidelines on the Rat Guide website and let you know if it works. Thanks!
 
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