Owning a Small Rodent (Mouse or Rat)

Small rodents (rats and mice) are very popular pets. Compared to dogs and cats, they have a shorter life-span (1-4 years depending upon the species); young children should be told this so that the "sudden death" of a 1-year-old pet isn't unexpected. As with any pet, they do occasionally get sick, and their illnesses are often severe. All pet rodents should be examined by a qualified veterinarian within 48 hours of purchase. This "new pet" exam is critical to detect signs of disease and help new pet owners get off on the right foot. So many problems are caused by misinformation; the first veterinary visit can help prevent well-intentioned owners from doing the wrong thing and ultimately contributing to the pet's early death.

Rodents are omnivorous animals, and the digestive tract is, in some ways similar to that of other plant-eaters such as horses and cattle.

Rats and Mice

Porphyrin from the Harderian glands around the eyes causes tears and nasal secretions to appear red. The mammary glands extend along the underneath of the animal from chin to hindlegs, and therefore breast cancer can appear as a lump ANYWHERE along this line. Young mice and rats are born hairless with their eyes closed.

Selecting your pet

Most owners will buy their pet rodents locally through a pet store. Avoid sick-looking animals. Don't try to be a "Good Samaritan". Remember that, with exotic pets, if it looks sick, it's really dying! Trying to nurse a sick pet rodent back to health after purchasing it will rarely work. Just the stress of the new environment and feeding is often enough to kill it. So, start out right with a healthy pet. Always inquire about the guarantee in case the pet is found to be unhealthy.

"Trying to nurse a sick pet rodent back to health after purchasing it will rarely work."

The pet rodent should have no discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth. If you can open the mouth (without being bitten!), make sure the front teeth, the incisors, have not overgrown (they should form a nice, even fit). The animal should seem frisky and try to run and resist handling to some extent. No coughing, sneezing, or wheezing should be present. Examine the anal area. It should be dry and free of diarrhoea or caked-on stool. Ask the employee for help in determining the animal's sex. However the sex of a young rodent can be very difficult to determine, especially if there are no other animals to compare the individual with. Hopefully the sex can be correctly determined during your pet's first veterinary visit but do not be too hard on the vet if this proves difficult!

The first veterinary visit

Within 48 hours of your purchase, your pet should be examined by a veterinarian knowledgeable in the treatment of pet rodents. The visit includes determining the animal's weight, as well as checking for lumps or bumps. The animal is examined for signs of dehydration and starvation. A faecal test may be done to check for internal parasites. The veterinarian can also attempt to determine the sex of your pet. If all turns out well, your pet will be given a clean bill of health. Like all pets, pet rodents should be examined annually.

Vaccinations

Pet rodents do not require vaccinations.