Q. Help! What Should I Do With a New Pet Rat Who Appears to Have Mycoplasma?

Posted by Mia Carter Nov 3, 2008

I received the following question on an article entitled Signs of a Sick Rat on November 3, 2008: Just 2 days ago, I purchased a couple of male rats. Since I brought them home, one (we'll call him White since he has not yet earned a name!) has been sneezing a lot and occasionally making other squeaky sounds. I've read a lot in my rat handbook and websites, as well as all of these comments, so it seems like mycoplasmosis is a likely cause.

"I'm just not sure which way to go... they came with a health guarantee. Should I take White back to the pet store and exchange for one of their hopefully hardier brothers? (My other rat is doing quite well and I'm already fond of him). Should I wait a few more days to see if there is any improvement (understandably moving is quite stressful). I plan on finding a rat-friendly vet after work today, but I hate to say I'm worried I'll be stuck with a lifelong sickly rat on antibiotics. On the other hand, I'd feel bad bringing him back to the store since I'm not sure what his fate will be there either. They did seem well cared for, and the staff and the rats were both friendly (I've heard pet stores arent' the best places for rats though). As a first time rat owner, I'm confused!"

This is a great question, as I know that many rat owners go through this exact situation.

The short answer: I'd keep your new rat, White. Virtually all rats in the United States and Canada have mycoplasma, which it sounds like White has too. Mycoplasma is not a death sentence. In fact, the vast majority of rats - 99.9% - live a long, healthy life with mycoplasma. It is a chronic condition that just needs to be managed.

The Basics of Caring for a Rat With Mycoplasma

Let me start by explaining a bit about mycoplasma.

Firstly, virtually all rats in North America have mycoplasma!

It's a bacteria that lives in the rat's upper respiratory tract. When the bacteria overpopulates - during times of stress (like a move into a new home, illness in another part of the body, etc), the rat may get a bit sniffly and sneezy, with reddish discharge from the eyes - often, this red discharge from the eyes is confused with blood. It is not blood, it is a lubricant called porphyrin that's produced by a gland near the rat's eyes.

Usually, when the upset is due to stress, the rat's condition will improve on its own within a few days. Sometimes, a course of antibiotics is needed to send the mycoplasma into "remission" - the antibiotic will kill off much of the mycoplasma bacteria, getting it down to a level that the rat's body can naturally handle and control.

You cannot cure mycoplasma. Once a rat has mycoplasma, he has it for life. It is virtually impossible to find a rat who does not have mycoplasma. Though there are a few scientific labs in California that do sell mycoplasma-free rats - for a hefty price!

So, in short, returning White to the pet store won't really do any good. White will likely be euthanized and you will have to part with a rat whom you're admittedly fond of. And what's worse, is the new rat will have mycoplasma too. (unless he's some sort of mycoplasma-free mutant, in which case, you're incredibly lucky - like, "hitting the lottery" lucky!)

Managing Mycoplasma in a Pet Rat

Mycoplasma is not a condition that can be cured. It is a condition that can be managed. It's not difficult to manage - it just takes a caring and observant rat owner.

Here's six "must do's" for rat owners to ensure a healthy rat:

1. Provide a humidifier in the rat's room.
2. Don't smoke or use aerosol chemicals near a pet rat.
3. Don't use woodchips of any kind for the rat's cage, as the oils from the woods stress the respiratory system. Use a rat-friendly bedding like CareFresh or fabric.
4. When your rat seems unwell, take him to the vet sooner rather than later.
5. Feed healthy fresh foods with a commercial rat block food.
6. Get your rat a friend. Rats are social animals that are happier and healthier with a companion. Companions also reduce stress, which keeps the rat healthier, as stress taxes the immune system.

A rat with mycoplasma will show low-level symptoms (occasional porphyrin discharge at the eyes, for instance) throughout his life. You will learn what is "normal" for your rat. If his symptoms suddenly worsen from their baseline, it's time for a visit to the vet.

If, within a few days, White's symptoms don't seem to improve, a trip to the vet (which I recommend anyways for new pets) for some antibiotics will remedy the situation.

Mycoplasma serves as an "I'm Sick-o-Meter" of sorts. When another infection or illness invades the rat's body, the mycoplasma will get worse because the body's immune system is taxed by the other illness. This means fewer resources are dedicated to keeping the mycoplasma in check. The up-side is that the mycoplasma provides a visible symptom of illness that gets worse when another problem is present, whereas many other illnesses are not as obvious. In short, it makes illness easier to spot and more obvious in a pet rat.

In my opinion, mycoplasma is a part of normal rat ownership. Until we can find a cure for mycoplasma, it's something rat owners will have to deal with. All of my rats have been mycoplasma-positive, and they've lived long, healthy lives. It's just a matter of managing the condition, which you can do with good rat care and an occasional vet visit, if necessary.

I hope you find lots of happiness with your new ratty friend, White!

Here's my Rat Care Page with lots of good resources for rat owners. And if you have an idea for an article that I've yet to write, send an e-mail to Mia.Carter@Suite101.com!

Disclaimer: I have extensive experience in caring for animals, including sick and special needs animals, but I am not a veterinarian. I can provide information and advice based on research and my many years of experience with pet care and training, but it's not a substitute for seeking medical attention from a veterinarian.