Health and disease prevention

Noticing a change in behavior

It’s important to regularly observe your pet to detect any changes in behavior. If your rodent isn’t acting normally, if it hides at the bottom of its cage, is more aggressive, or more tired…

In short, any change in behavior will require a consultation with your veterinarian for a general check-up.

A decreased appetite or dehydration?

Indeed, your sick rodent will generally refuse to eat or drink. Here again, a prompt appointment with your veterinarian is necessary.

Dental problems, for example, can lead to anorexia in rodents.

Also, a suitable diet is necessary to ensure proper tooth wear and good digestion, etc.

Weight Fluctuations

Of course, sudden weight loss can be a sign of illness, such as a digestive problem, dental malocclusion, or a tumor.

It should be noted that a weight loss of just a few dozen grams is already significant in a rodent and should therefore be taken seriously. It is also advisable to weigh your pet regularly to monitor its weight.

Monitoring Rectal Temperature:

A normal rectal temperature varies depending on the species. It is between 38.5°C and 39.5°C in rabbits and between 37.5°C and 39.5°C in guinea pigs.

However, since it is very difficult to take the temperature of small animals, this criterion is rarely used.

Rodents and rabbits are very sensitive to high temperatures, so it’s crucial to be vigilant about heatstroke, which can be dangerous for your little companion.

Your rodent is limping

There are many causes of lameness in rodents and rabbits, such as fractures or dislocations. Extra care is needed when handling them, as they can injure themselves if they suddenly run away.

This lameness is often caused by pododermatitis in rodents and rabbits, resulting from poor hygiene.

However, in guinea pigs, it can be due to a vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C supplements are therefore recommended for this type of rodent.

Its breathing is impaired

Rabbits and rodents may exhibit coughing, sneezing, or noisy breathing, as they are generally very sensitive respiratory systems.

Bacteria, viruses, or respiratory allergies, for example, can explain these symptoms.

In this case, a veterinary consultation will be necessary to establish an appropriate treatment plan while ensuring that suitable environmental conditions are maintained.

For example, choosing a low-dust or dust-free bedding, such as hemp bedding, may be necessary.

Digestion should raise concern.

Rodents and rabbits can also experience digestive problems such as diarrhea or intestinal blockage. A veterinary consultation is, again, essential.

Indeed, diarrhea can be caused by parasites, stress, etc. A veterinary diagnosis will then lead to appropriate treatment. In rabbits, a digestive supplement may also be given in addition to this treatment.

Also, be aware of intestinal blockages in female rabbits experiencing false pregnancies. As a reaction, they may pull out their fur to create a nest and ingest it, thus creating a risk of intestinal blockage.

Urinary Tract Infections:

Rabbits and rodents are susceptible to urinary tract infections. Rabbits, in particular, should be monitored for predisposition to urinary stones. In such cases, a diet based on pellets, which are too high in calcium, should be avoided, as these promote urinary stone formation.

Genital Tract Infections

Unfortunately, unspayed females can suffer from pyometra, which infects the uterus, or from uterine tumors. Bloody or purulent vaginal discharge should prompt the owner to consult a veterinarian.

However, spaying females remains the only way to prevent these genital tract infections.

Dermatological Conditions

These problems are common in rodents and rabbits, presenting with hair loss, itching, or scabs on the skin.

Some of these diseases, caused by parasites such as ringworm or scabies, lead to manifestations