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Rodent helpitchy scabs2007-11-24 22:14:55

My pet rat keeps itching herself..she has scabs all over her face and shoulders?? I can't see or feel any ticks or mites.gave her a bath in anti tick shampoo.cut out alot of the protein in her diet. nothing works. She likes to pick at herself, she even started picking at my other rat. i had to seperate them! help please!!

Answers:

Most common cause is Ulcerative Dermatitis caused by a bacterial infection from self inflicted wounds from scratching, often from mites (which can be difficult to see) or more commonly from scratching the skin over an inflammed salivary gland. Treatment is clipping the rear toenails, cleaning the sores, and applying topical antibiotic. A vet experienced in pocket pets (not all are!) should be able to help with this. Don't use tick shampoos, they can be toxic.

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She sounds like she may be nervous or have sorda "nervous tick" birds do this also thay will pull out there feathers, you will also catch crazy ppl doin this sorda thing too you may still want to go to the vet though, and its not a bacterial infection

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Just some questions to narrow down the possible causes of your rat's hair loss and scabs.

1. What are you feeding?

A diet too high in protein and fat can cause itching and scabbing around the neck and shoulders. Also a diet deficient in the essential fatty acids will give the same results-- scabs. If you are feeding a seed mix-- cut way back-- a balanced diet like rodent block, fresh fruits and vegetables, plenty of water and perhaps a vitamin supplement or better yet, a coat and skin conditioner for pets (pet shops sell a good one for ferrets-- but it smells like fish) would be your best bet.