Does Anyone Know What's Wrong With My Rat?

Question

My rat has these red looking eggs attached to his skin and hair.Basically,they look like red lice eggs,only they don't get bigger.I'm afraid they might be mites.I looked them up once and the only thing I found that was even CLOSE,was Tropical Rat Mites.I can't really afford taking him to the vet.I wash him with dandruff shampoo,to try to get rid of them about every week or 2.I get some of they off,but not all of them.Does anyone know where I can find some kind of medicine for that,because I'm afraid these red bugs could be life-threatening.:(

P.S.The past 2 rats I've had were from PetSmart,had the same red bugs,and died less than 3 weeks after my purchase.The only one I didn't buy from PetSmart,was my bald rat,I named Minnie,that I got from a store I forgot the name of...

Answer 1

If you want him to live you really should take him to the nearest vet.

Answer 2

You need to take him to the vet (one that has a vet with experience with small mammals).  Depending on what he has, he might need a prescription.  I know it can be expensive, but some vets might be able to work out a payment plan or allow you to work off the cost by doing janitorial work or something.  Explain to them the situation and see if they can help you out.  They also might be able to identify what's wrong with him over the phone.

Another option is taking them to PetSmart.  Most PetSmarts have a vet clinic and they might be willing to look at him for free if you got him recently.

It might be fleas.  Is your rat itching a lot?  Flea p**p is red.

You really shouldn't be getting any pets if you can't afford to take them to the vet.  Just because the actual cost of a rodent is relatively small, it's the cost of food, accessories, cage, bedding, and VET care that makes up the cost of the animal.  

Hope that helps!

Answer 3

vetvetvetvetvetvetvetvetvetvetvet petsmart will say take him to a vet.