Skin problems - Paw Talk

mtmaughan · #1 01-21-2008, 11:42 PM

Zorro is very scabby, and keeps chewing on himself. Some of the scabs are getting icky and he just won't leave them alone. Any input? Could be an allergy, but I don't think I'm doing anything different than I've been doing for many months.

The other boys are perfectly fine, so it's probably not a parasite. I don't think he's getting too much protein, I never even give them protein outside their food (Oxbow). That's why I'm thinking allergy. Could he have developed an allergy to something?

pinkie1205 · #2 01-22-2008, 12:16 AM

If they are scabs then he might have a skin parasite even though the other rats aren't showing symptoms. If he is older then they will get to him first. Mites are microscopic but you can see lice. Take a look to see if you see anything moving.

mulder · #3 01-22-2008, 11:10 AM

i say vet?

mtmaughan · #4 01-22-2008, 11:24 AM

They all went to the vet because of this a few weeks ago, actually. Got a series of Ivermectin shots. Still, no one else is showing symptoms, it's just Zorro, and it's getting worse. The vet found no parasites on him (no lice or mites) but said maybe it was a skin infection. I guess maybe it could still be that, but he took a course of antibiotics and it didn't clear up.

I will take him back to the vet, I just wanted to see if maybe any of you had any ideas of stuff that I could take out of his environment to see if it helped.

mulder · #5 01-22-2008, 11:31 AM

i really wish i could help but i don't know any common rat allergies

mtmaughan · #6 01-22-2008, 12:17 PM

I called into my vet's office, and my vet is now supposed to give me a call back, and I will see if she has any ideas, or just wants to see him. Obviously I'd like to save money by not having to go in, but if he needs to be seen I'll manage it.

mtmaughan · #7 01-22-2008, 06:29 PM

Went to the vet, she thinks it might be SKIN CANCER.

Gonna try some homeopathic stuff to try to ease the discomfort. She'll want to do a biopsy if it doesn't start clearing up.

Mousey · #8 01-22-2008, 11:03 PM

I am so sorry that you and Zorro are going through this. I wish the little one luck.

laydeerodentzz · #9 01-23-2008, 11:26 AM

Sorry to hear that!

Vanilla_Rat · #10 01-23-2008, 11:28 AM

I had a rat who developed an allergy to carefresh,so it is possible he could of developed an allergy.

IF it is skin cancer,I am so sorry and you and Zorro will be in my thoughts!

MimsicePaw · #11 01-27-2008, 03:37 AM

It could be check there fur.
Go to the vet as soon as possible