Rats and Mice

Rats and mice are prey species. They can often hide signs of disease until the problem has become very advanced and many injuries that initially seem minor, can also be very serious.

We recommend always erring on the side of caution when something seems unusual with your small rodent and having them examined by an small mammal veterinarian.

Signs of illness or injury in small rodents:

Less active, hunched or fluffed posture
Refusing food, drooling, reduced appetite or inability to chew
Changes in normal behaviours or routine
Having difficulty moving, limping or not using a leg
Breathing difficulties, discharge from the mouth or nostrils
Sneezing, coughing
Changes to one or both eyes (swelling, redness, discharge)
Drinking excessively
Urinating excessively or changes to the urine consistency or colour
Diarrhoea
Seizures, tremors
Bleeding, wounds, lumps or swellings
Fur loss, itching