EMERGENCY...(Seriously) MITES ON OLD RAT...

[thebritt]

What is the safest thing to use? He's 4+ yrs old. His cage gets cleaned about once/week, but we just now noticed the mites. My daughter called me at work to say she thought he has a tumor in his mouth, but it's difficult to see. Fortunately, she works at a vet's office, so Rat Man can be examined today, however...she doesn't want to take him in while covered in mites (understandably). We are OUT of any flea shampoo-type stuff, so is there any home remedy that will get rid of the mites? Thanks for any ideas...

 

[texasgirl]

Not sure about home remedies other than a bath in dilute Dawn dishsoap (which does kill fleas).
Ask your veterinarian to look up the dosage of cat Revolution for rats. It is safe for them but ONLY at the proper dose for it's weight.
We have had several rats and rabbits with mites and treated them successfully with Revolution for cats.

 

[vfem]

I know DE is safe for chickens... is it safe for a rat?! Give her a dust bath in DE and give her a day or 2 to let that work in so you can take her to the vet!?

 

[texasgirl]

Quote:
With rats having such super sensitive upper respiratory systems and being so prone to upper respiratory infections, I probably wouldn't try a dust bath.

 

[thebritt]

Quote:
Thanks for the suggestions - my daughter said he can't eat, so I guess mites are the least of his problems. Tonite he'll be released from his obvious discomfort. Again, thanks to those who responded. He did live almost 5 years!