lillie, my albino rat

Question
QUESTION: hi, My pet rat lillie whom is approve. 6mos. old, is very lovable and loves for me to hold her and play, with her, I think she thinks shes human.  Until the last few days, she has been squeaking allot, like just all of a sudden, she has never done this before. I will be rubbing her and she'll jump up and squeak and run, and repeat, then she'll scratch for a second or two. I have her bedding the carefree bedding, and a nutrious food, and a few fruits and veggies, a little bread as a special treat.  She acts like she wants to be on me but like something is bugging her, shes squeaking alot, almost like shes spoiled (probably is) but also like shes a little itchy.  I have checked her skin out thoroughly, and do not see anything, also I try and give her a little piece of orange vitamin c.  Can you help me solve this problem, she is scarring me to the point I'm scared to pick her up.

ANSWER: How long has this episode lasted? Is she still behaving this way, or has she lapsed back to her old self, acting normally?


It could be a skin irritation but to me it sounds like she's in estrus - they come into heat every 4 days and behave erratically, with squeaking, displaying, ears vibrating, constant bruxing (teeth grinding) - and within about 12 hours it passes and they go back to normal.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: She seems to be getting better, shes only been acting this way for a few days, I failed to mention she fell on her back in her cage trying to climb up to me and it appeared she hit her little back on her play tube.  I think she may have a sore spot, there are no visible wounds or bumps.  Since i prev. emailed you, she seems to act a little better, but not as active as she was, kinda slow and still not wanting me to hold her like i was.  She only squeaked a few times in the last day.  But she still is acted lethargic.

Answer
Ah, yeah, an injury would cause that. She may be stiff and still in a bit of pain - keep an eye on her, and if she isn't better in another few days, I'd start her on a low dose of tylenol.. ratguide.com has dosing instructions under their medication guide. Otherwise, a visit to the vet is really all I can suggest.

Sorry my answer is so delayed! I hope she's doing alright.