mamarat2
Well-Known Member
Ahh this lovely topic!
When I first got pet rats I had no idea that when the males got older they start to have trouble reaching their private parts to clean them. This especially becomes apparent when they begin to lose hind end function and can't quite balance to get to it anymore
Male rats normally clean this area a few times a day so they don't have any problems, when they can't clean it they get this icky build up that collects in their prepuce. The build up is normal excretions that come from the male reproductive glands. If the rat stops cleaning the area on his own it can form a plug that not only can cause massive irritation but they can also start to have problems urinating.
Dilbert (Shelagh's sweet natured man aka my pickle rat) was kind enough to let allow us to use his photos for an example.
In the first picture (sideways view) Shelagh places two fingers on either side of the prepuce.
Second pic of a better view of finger placement
Slight pressure applied in this way allows you to move the preputial skin back to expose the penis and therefore see if there is a plug. Soaking the rat in a warm sitz bath prior to exposing the area tends to help in plug removal if there is one. If a plug is present gently use your fingers or a damp washcloth to wipe the area until it is removed.
Just as a side not, this can be done by one person but it takes practice and persistance. The rat is usually not a willing participant.
Also the above pics are also of a neutered rat in case the testicles were not apparent, sorry Dilbert we still love ya!
And here is another link that shows the physical plug better:
http://www.ratballs.com/RatTails/Tails095.html
When I first got pet rats I had no idea that when the males got older they start to have trouble reaching their private parts to clean them. This especially becomes apparent when they begin to lose hind end function and can't quite balance to get to it anymore
Male rats normally clean this area a few times a day so they don't have any problems, when they can't clean it they get this icky build up that collects in their prepuce. The build up is normal excretions that come from the male reproductive glands. If the rat stops cleaning the area on his own it can form a plug that not only can cause massive irritation but they can also start to have problems urinating.
Dilbert (Shelagh's sweet natured man aka my pickle rat) was kind enough to let allow us to use his photos for an example.
In the first picture (sideways view) Shelagh places two fingers on either side of the prepuce.
Second pic of a better view of finger placement
Slight pressure applied in this way allows you to move the preputial skin back to expose the penis and therefore see if there is a plug. Soaking the rat in a warm sitz bath prior to exposing the area tends to help in plug removal if there is one. If a plug is present gently use your fingers or a damp washcloth to wipe the area until it is removed.
Just as a side not, this can be done by one person but it takes practice and persistance. The rat is usually not a willing participant.
Also the above pics are also of a neutered rat in case the testicles were not apparent, sorry Dilbert we still love ya!
And here is another link that shows the physical plug better:
http://www.ratballs.com/RatTails/Tails095.html