Sick rat? Maybe mites?

[Heather]

We noticed multiple scabs on one of my girls this evening. Some very tiny, some larger.. all over her back, and under her chin is a large flat one.
We've been keeping an eye on her weight as it looks like she's slowly been losing weight. And it feels like her fur is not as soft as usual.
She was a rescue that was at the humane society after being purchased from a pet store and 'not working out' with the home.
She's somewhere between 1-1.5 yes old.
A cage mate who is of similar age and was a pet store rat as well has been declining and has developed a tumor on the underside of her stomach.
They both are just as active as always and have had no changes in eating.
The cage mate was seen at the vet a few weeks ago and was given a poor prognosis before the tumor was even identified.
Wondering if this could be mites or if she has more going on. I'm not finding anything about mites contributing to weight loss...and am not seeing her scratch.
Thoughts?

 

[dspch911]

Yep, sounds exactly like mites. You need to get revolution from the vet or find someone that has some laying around. Also, if your using litter ornwood products they need to be frozen for 48-72 hours before using so if they have the critters your rats don't get them. You probably got them from the pet store or humane society...

 

[Heather]

Yep, sounds exactly like mites. You need to get revolution from the vet or find someone that has some laying around. Also, if your using litter ornwood products they need to be frozen for 48-72 hours before using so if they have the critters your rats don't get them. You probably got them from the pet store or humane society...

Thanks for the response!
We use CareFresh bedding in a box for digging and fleece in their cage.

As far as the potential mites, can they hang out for a while without causing problems? We've had the rat from the humane society for over 6 months and the one from the pet store for a year. I dont interact with other rats/rodents, and they dont go anywhere.
Also, would the mites cause scabbing on her chin too?

Seems like the best answer, but just seems so odd.

 

[dspch911]

Scabbing around the chin is a classic sign. The mites probably came in with the carefresh that is why you need to freeze it before using it. Revolution is a one dose and done we do it about once a year to everyone or whenever we get a new critter as a precaution.

 

[Heather]

Scabbing around the chin is a classic sign. The mites probably came in with the carefresh that is why you need to freeze it before using it. Revolution is a one dose and done we do it about once a year to everyone or whenever we get a new critter as a precaution.

Now that makes sense! Thanks so much! I'll give our vet a call

 

[SQ]

Usually when there are scabs around the head and shoulders, mites are the problem.
All rats need to be treated with kitten revolution
As previously mentioned, all bedding needs to be frozen for 48 to 72 hours after purchase to kill any parasities that may be in it
Mites can also be in the environment and sometimes seem to become a problem at different times such as in the fall when the heat is turned on

here are some links
http://ratguide.com/health/integumentary_skin/ectoparasites.php
http://ratguide.com/meds/anti-infectives/selamectin_revolution.php

What type of tumour does she have?
A few things to consider if they are losing weight:
- check their teeth to make sure they are wearing properly, not too long etc
- check their breathing, is it laboured? noisy? what does it sound like when you hold them up to your ear and listen to both sides of their chest
- are they able to hold food in both their paws and eat it? any changes in mobility?

What are you feeding them?