How to treat urinary tract infections in rats

Rats are very prone to getting urinary tract infections because it is easy for them to pick up bacteria due to their bodies being so low to the ground. Urinary tract infections can affect both the urethra and the bladder and should be treated as soon as possible. Although treating a urinary tract infection can seem difficult, it is important to remember these simple steps that will make the process as easy as possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinarian
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Instructions

  1. How to Treat Urinary Tract Infections in Rats

    • 1

      The first step is to know and recognize symptoms that your rat may exert to show that it may have a urinary tract infection. Many people will notice frequent urination with four smelling or cloudy urine, blood in the urine, pain while urinating, a distended bladder, or dampness around the perineum from leaking urine.

    • 2

      If you notice that your rat has one or any of these symptoms that may mean it has a urinary tract infection. See a veterinarian as soon as possible.

    • 3

      The veterinarian will run multiple tests to check for a urinary tract infection, as well as rule out similar infections, such as a kidney infection or kidney or bladder stones. A urinalysis, as well as X-rays, will probably be included in the tests that are run.

    • 4

      The veterinarian will prescribe a treatment plan for the rat, depending on the stage of the urinary tract infection, as well as the reason for the infection. In most cases, some type of antibiotic will be prescribed.

    • 5

      Be sure to follow the veterinarian's instructions flawlessly. Missing doses of antibiotics or medication can cause the infection to continue, not go away, or even come back easily.

    • 6

      There are a few things you can do along with your veterinarian's treatment plan to help heal your rat's urinary tract infection. Encourage your rat to drink lots of water, and offer pure cranberry juice. You can also offer plain yogurt to your rat to help clear up the infection.

    • 7

      Follow up with a veterinarian if needed to be sure the infection is completely gone.

    • 8

      Once your rat has experienced one urinary tract infection, another one may be waiting around the corner. However, there are several things you can do in order to help keep your rat's health prime and protect against infections. Maintaining a dry and clean cage environment for rat is very important. Also, make sure to provide clean and fresh water for your rat, as well as keeping up a healthy daily diet. Other prevention methods include offering your rat pure cranberry juice and plain yogurt every few days or once a week to help keep his immune system up.