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Why does my dumbo rat have red-orange discoloration on fur2007-11-24 22:19:51

wondering if it's this outdoor bacteria i see. i only see it where he can't reach to clean it off. also are patches of missing fur - does it

itch maybe? i think started when i would put him outside for fresh air.

how do i get rid of? thanks!

Answers:

ok so could be a few reasons

1] mites/lice can cause excessive scratching and hairloss, a build up of lice can also appear orangey coloured as they are sucking blood. go and get a skin scrape done and if it is that the vet will likely give you some spot on for rats

2] buck grease. as male rats mature they produce a waxy type substance called buck grease, this can be orangy in colour and is totally natural, you could bathe him to remove it but as its a natural grease removing it can cause it to become heavier next time

3] again depending on age, he could be 'rusting' my 15 month roan has orangy patches where his coat is rusting and my 8 month old black is as well again entirely natural,

4] it could be from his saliva staining his coat red when he is washing and grooming, more noticable on lighter coloured rats

so get him checked out and then once hes certified healthy dont worry anymore, its all natural

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Take the rat to the vet or call your vet and get their opinion

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If you have a male rat its called orange back and all you need to do is give him a bath when he gets it.It happens to male rats that are sexually mature. Your rat will get use to getting baths just do it slowly.Hope this helps.

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click on the link below. It has a bunch of different infections that rats can have and what to do.

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TAKE HIM TO THE VET!...if theres something not normal and its not suppose to be there like the discolouration then theres bound to be something wrong...take him to the vets before the last minute rush...hope this helps

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Sometimes when small animals like Gerbils, Hamsters, and rats get older, they develop more colors as they are developing. I hope your rat is ok and it isn't bacteria or anything. If you notice any other changes like loss of appetite or being extremely tired all the time, take him to the vet. If it's a younger rat, sometimes they begin molting a little- losing some fur and new fur grows in.

This sounds like a disease to me since u said that there are patches of missing fur and discoloration. I would get your rat to the vet because he could have a disease and without a vet's help, your rat could die.