Pseudotuberculosis - A deadly rat disease which can masquerade as myco. Shows up after environmental stress, moves very quickly and is notable for causing a severe lack of appetite. Attacks lung and other organs. Not transmissible to humans, but pregnant women might want to be careful around infected rats. Quarantine sick rats right away to prevent spread!
SDA - Short for another common rat illness, Sialodacryoadenitis virus. Can be very devastating as it spreads rapidly among rats. The virus attacks mainly the eyes, lymph nodes and salivary glands. Always quarantine new arrivals!
Tooth problems - A rat's teeth are normally a dirty orange color. If they are white, it signals serious illness or malnutrition. Also, their teeth keep growing throughout their lives. If they don't have crunchy foods or access to things to chew, they will be in serious trouble. It's perfectly normal for their top teeth to be a lot longer than the bottom teeth, but if one or more of their teeth is misaligned and growing so that it will not meet its top or bottom partner, then they must have their teeth trimmed regularly to prevent injury.
This glossary is far from definitive. Please help make it more complete. If you think of anything I should add or clarify, go ahead and drop me a line!
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