New female rats have worms, I think. Remedies? [Vets are xpensive...]?

Question

I currently have 3 rats now. 3 females. 1 I have had for a few months that I was, as of a few moments ago, watching beat up the two young new females I picked up. Here's the problem. When I took out one of the new ratties to look over for trauma, I noticed she had a bit of spittle along her jaw, and white spirals of discharge from her a**s. After looking closer, I noticed the stuff was moving.

[Mostly its my own fault for not following full quarantine procedures. I feel bad enough about that.. -.-]

I have separated all three rats. I checked the 'wormed' one, and saw something 'peeking at me. Ick.

I checked the other new one, who seemed to be defecating quite a bit, and her f***s is a light, light brown, with whitish trails.

I'm hoping my older rat didn't catch it, as she was checking both of them in the tub, in that 69 snuffling they do.

I've only had rats for about 4-5 months or so, so this is a first for me.

Answer 1

It's understandable that vets are quite expensive... But, your rats' lives are on the line. My hamster cost a bundle, but it sure was worth seeing him happy and healthy. But once they get treatment you can have fun with your little friends-no matter the cost. Or you can try calling and talking to the vet about your money trouble. goodluck

Answer 2

I agree with Law L - take your rats to the vet asap.  It is quite obvious this is an emergency situation, and the only way to insure your rats will get the appropriate care is through a knowledgeable small animal vet.

Answer 3

worms are very strong parasites that can sometimes be hard to kill even for the vet. if they don't get proper medical attention immediately then they could soon die from being overpowered by the worms. no remedie that is safe for your rats can kill worms. they need to go to the vet ASAP!

Answer 4

You need to take them to a vet.

I don't care that it's expensive- if you're ill, you go to the doctor, right? So your pets deserve the same treatment, especially if you're going to be irresponsible and not seperate them for a suitable period beforehand.

If you want to see these rats starve to death, you can just sit back and watch the answers roll in. But if you want to help, you bundle up both sick and healthy rats into boxes and ship 'em off to the vet.

Also, some animal worms are contagious. So as great as it would be to just say 'play with them why they're still alive', YOU may get worms too, which is more embarrasing than fatal in humans.

So for everyone's sake, I'd just advise you bite the bullet and take them to the vet. Some vets will be happy for you to have payment plans etc. anyway to cut down on cost.

Answer 5

You'll need to go to the vet.  All the dewormers that I can think of that are rat safe are also prescription only.  You'll also need to treat all the rats just in case.  If you leave this go it will eventually result in serious health issues for your rats.

Vets are expensive but they are worth it.  Also, they're honestly not that expensive.  I find a vet visit costs about as much as a dinner out would or a couple of video games, or whatever "extra" you have in your life.  If you are young enough to still live with your parents see if you can work off the money by doing extra chores or having you allowance withheld.