LeRoy is an old, ex-breeder male rat we sort of had to take as no one wanted him at the pet store and our male Rocky did need a new cagemate after Kracker passed on. LeRoy look okay, obviously old and so forth but in decent condition.

Now suddenly he's itching constantly and has some scratches/scabbing on his back along his spine. I can't see a sign of mites or buggies of any sort and his cagemate is fine. I haven't changed their bedding type or food other than I often add in treats for them of different sorts but all are on the okay list for rats. His coat condition was never much to talk about but now he is starting to look patchy.

I'm slathering on neosporin. I'm a bit worried about trying to clip his hind nails as he hates it and quite honestly I'm scared he'll croak being as old as I suspect he is. I have a big rough brick in their cage that they have to walk over to get to water to help keep the nails down a bit.

I'm wondering if there's anything I can do for the old fella, maybe a shampoo of some sort or a home remedy. I'm going to try an oatmeal water bath tomorrow as it's great for itchy human skin so why not on a rat, followed by clear water to rinse.

Any ideas? Becky....help please I hate to see old LeRoy looking so "ratty".


~~Jo~~