Rat sores?

So I treated my rat Charlie about a month ago with Tylan for about 3 weeks because he had that RI signs (buildup around his eyes and nose). It seemed to have gotten better, but recently it's started again around his eyes. Now I'm thinking it's stress of some sort. I took him out tonight because he just looks like crap, my poor baby. I noticed under his fur he has these sores on his skin. They almost remind me of flea bites, but I didn't see any fleas at all? Now my other rat Lucky lives with him, and has remained unchanged through everything. I've never seen them fight, however Lucky is the dominant one. Could these sores be scratches or bites from fighting, and his eyes have the buildup from stress? I really don't know what to make of it, and getting Charlie to sit still to get a clear photo of the small sores is impossible. If this sounds familiar to anyone, please...I could use some guidance. He got a clear bill of health a month ago by the vet, so I don't know what else could be wrong :(

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Despite what I thought I did get a few pictures.

I may be wrong but it looks like lice to me.

What kind of Bedding you using ?

Looks like wood mites

Could be lice, mites, or allergies.

I think it's aspen right now, they didn't have the kiln dried pine when I went last time. Should I use a different bedding? My other rats seems unaffected...which is what's confusing me :(

Should I treat them for lice or mites regardless? How do I treat that?

Does kiln dried pine still have the oils in it that's unhealthy for rodents? I stopped using pine a few months ago because of sneezing.. did research found out pine is def not the best. Aspen all the way now for me and things have been much better.

Only bummer is when buying 16 cubic ft a month at around 40 bucks is a big jump from about a quarter of that price before with the pine. Oh well, I like aspen much better anyways. Smells better.

Sorry I cant help with the sores.. I would def research diff bug bites and see if u can find a match. Best of luck Leah.. oh, is his energy the same?

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Originally Posted by cdavidson9

Best of luck Leah.. oh, is his energy the same?

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His energy level seems to be about the same, but he just looks like crap. His fur looks different too, like thinning? :(

Is there any way he could be possibly going into a molt? This is strange.. id say if his energy starts to change, or if he loos like the stuff comes back around his nose then id take him in. I know it Sucks cause the vet can sometimes ream u, but at least u can pay for some peace of mind.

bump..... :(

I'm sorry I can't help. I've never experienced anything like that with any of my rats. It might partially be attributed to genetics. If I recall you just got him from the pet store. He might have a poor immunity, allergies, or any number of issues that can plague store bought rodents. I'd suggest next time you get a rat that you plan on keeping as a pet to perhaps search out a rattery or someone in the area that has high quality rodents. Much like reptiles, there is a vast quality difference between what you find in a pet store and what private collectors produce. I'll ask a few people for you and see if anyone has any ideas. Hope he gets better for you Leah.

Regards,

B

He def dont have an RI but Myco Flare ups.

Since the Tylan Worked but came back, Chances are you will need baytril for helping him better. Ive noticed in Older rats they do get dry skin that they itch and cause tiny scabs on them.

If the other rat has no skin issues, it would lead me to him having more wrong with him..

That sucks :( I got him from the reptile shop where I got my original rat, and he's only...7 months old tops? I don't know, I didn't notice the skin irritation until I switched from the crappy carefresh to aspen....so maybe I'll try a different bedding, like the kiln dried pine that was suggested by Rich and Jerry. I'll call my vet and see if they will prescribe Baytril without having to see him again. If there's no improvements in a few weeks, maybe I'll try and find a medicated pet shampoo?

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Originally Posted by LGray23

That sucks :( I got him from the reptile shop where I got my original rat, and he's only...7 months old tops? I don't know, I didn't notice the skin irritation until I switched from the crappy carefresh to aspen....so maybe I'll try a different bedding, like the kiln dried pine that was suggested by Rich and Jerry. I'll call my vet and see if they will prescribe Baytril without having to see him again. If there's no improvements in a few weeks, maybe I'll try and find a medicated pet shampoo?

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Easiest way to give baytril is in yogurt. Mix just enough per dose of baytril and let him lick it up. This way he gets a treat and meds

Revolution for cats will clear up any mites or lice on rats. I use the stuff for kittens and just a tiny, tiny amount between their shoulders. You can not feed them off afterwards for a while though. I think 60ish days anyway. I forget exactly, but I wouldn't use it on feeders anyway.

First things first, remove all of the rats, clean their cages. Next, give them a bath in some baby shampoo or animal shampoo for sensitive skin. You don't want to dry their skin out. Once you have them clean and dry, put revolution on everyone. If you don't treat them all, you will never get rid of those nasty bugs.

Good luck! :)