I have a two year old pet rat. She's always been in good health (after her cage mate died a year ago she did start to show symptoms of chromodacryorrhea - red tears - but it's never progressed into anything serious. I spoke to a vet who suspects she's always had it but her cage mate would clean her face to where I wouldn't notice). Well, last week she got her cage cleaned like every other week. I used Dawn soap like every other week. Once a month I clorox the crap out of her cage but her cage isn't due for cloroxing for another week. I've been noticing a foul smell from her cage for the past couple of days and never saw anything alarming upon examination. This evening I happened to look up while she was climbing and saw diarrhea on her bottom. I checked the cage and saw a literal puddle of diarrhea on her igloo. Foul smell has been located, but now I'm concerned about my rat.
Her diet has not changed in the two years I've owned her. She eats the same lab blocks she always has. She hasn't been exposed to any new foods/chemicals (Dawn) recently either. I'm already planning on calling a local vet in the morning, but does anyone know of what can cause diarrhea in a rat OTHER than a change in diet or feeding too many greens??
A number of things can cause soft stool. Infections, respiratory illness etc. . can all cause stresses that will affect her GI tract. She is older and likely weaker with age. Seeing a rat savvy vet really is the best choice but for know you can try to treat it through diet. Plain yogurt (good bacteria for diarrhea improves gut flora) and oatmeal (filling and will keep stool together) will keep her hydrated and hopefully address her diarrhea.
It could just be stress. My rat gets diarrhea randomly. I would just clean her cage really good and give her bene-bac. You can get it at pretty much any pet store. Theres not much you can do besides the bene-bac and baby formula or baby cereal. My rat mostly gets it from stress or too many treats. She also needs a bath .
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Good Luck.
Diarrhea in any animal is always a cause for concern, get her checked out. It could be an underlying sickness that's surfaced, or shes come in contact with an unfamiliar bacteria.
I have to agree with all the other answers. Many things cause diarrhea, whether it be sickness or stress. What I'd suggest is giving your rat some plain boiled rice to supply some fiber and see if that does the trick. It worked for a friend of mine's rats. As long as the rice is plain it's ok. If the problem persists, then take her to the vet. If she's alone now, you might want to get her a cage mate. Rats are much healthier and happier in pairs. Just a word of caution, most rats only live to be 2. It's considered a wonderful thing if your rat makes it to 3, so be prepared and take the best care you can of her. Good luck to you and your rattie and hope this helps.
