[LexGear]

Hi Guys, check out this concerning video of my rat. YouTube Video of Bart

Desperate to know if anyone has seen or experienced this before. He's been doing this for a awhile lately and has started nipping (to the point of blood) the ears of his cage mates. He does this a few times a week. First thing I thought of was of course diet, constipation, etc. From what I can tell, poos are normal. During this time he likes to be left alone. Usually bounces back the next day, but he has started to become nippy.

 

[ratbusters]

Hi there.
Bart looks like he could be showing body language signs of pain. If you google Rat Grimace Chart, it will show different body language signs in the eyes, ears and nose area which indicate pain.
Also, does he seem to be having distress with his breathing? Does he make noises while breathing, for example, "monkey" sounds, coo-ing sounds or anything that sounds unusual?
If so, veterinary care would be your best bet.

 

[LexGear]

Hi there.
Bart looks like he could be showing body language signs of pain. If you google Rat Grimace Chart, it will show different body language signs in the eyes, ears and nose area which indicate pain.
Also, does he seem to be having distress with his breathing? Does he make noises while breathing, for example, "monkey" sounds, coo-ing sounds or anything that sounds unusual?
If so, veterinary care would be your best bet.

Hello,
I agree with you about the pain. He's been like this for a long time, and I have no idea what it could be. He's breathing is good. No respratory issues there.

 

[Tinytoes]

He is definitely in distress. The eyes, the whiskers, the puffy fur. He seems to be breathing hard and fast. A visit to the vet is in order. When you say 'a long time', how long?

 

[LexGear]

He is definitely in distress. The eyes, the whiskers, the puffy fur. He seems to be breathing hard and fast. A visit to the vet is in order. When you say 'a long time', how long?

The thing is, it comes and goes. Most of the time he shows no signs of distress. I would say about a year.

 

[ratbusters]

I would recommend a vet visit, and take the video with you that you posted here. That way, if he is having a good day when you go in, the vet can still see why you are concerned.
Rats are so trusting of us, they can't really tell us when they are in pain, so we have to "read' them by their body language instead, to know that they need help.