[Buggzter]

I know, I know, it's probably somewhere in the past files. Yet, after 30+ minutes of searching (and my husband asking how long this is going to take so he can use the computer), I still can't find what I'm looking for!

I've read that it's the high-white markings, and something about the blaze being markers of megacolon. I understand the disease, I think, just not the markers. I just want to make sure I'm prepared if I have gotten one, or if I see one in the future that may need a quick euthanasia ready when the onset hits.....

Does anyone have pictures or a link to show what the markers really are? Thank you so much!

~Krystie

 

[A1APassion]

the same markings I have seen in rats with megacolon I have seen in rats without megacolon

but for what you are asking... rats with unnatural white markings on head & face have developed megacolon... this does not suggest that all rats with unnatural white face markings will develop this condition. This is one time where knowing the rats lines, parents, grand parents & so forth help rule out a devastating disorder.

here is some reading for you:

http://www.skyclyde.com/Husky.html
http://ratguide.com/health/digestive/megacolon.php

http://www.dreameyce.com/eagleseye/rattery/ratinfo/rat_markings.htm
(look at the Banded section)

There are so many other readings, just google high white or megacolon

But at the end of the day... most cases, not all, but most cases this develops early on in the young rat. If you have a mature rat with these high white markings... it is a good chance that your rat will not develop this condition. Be sure to check their stool & take a good long look at their overall health & form.

If you do have a mature rat with these high white markings... do not breed them. If they pair with another rat carrying that same dominant gene the outcome could be bad. The pairing of marked rats should only be done by those who know genetics & know their rat's history so that they can be sure to not be reproducing the chance of megacolon