poss. skin disorder

Question
QUESTION: hi, ive read through ?'s but this one never came up. my rat, rupert, all of a sudden has yellowy patches on his back and there's a dusting of it in his fur. this just came up 2day. the weird thing is is he's not itchy and he seems normal, aside from the little sneezes he's always had. he's a little over a year old and i'm taking him to the vet just in case. but have u heard of this problem?

ANSWER: I wish I could see a photo. If possible, can you take a photo and attach it here during our follow up?

Are there scabs on him?

Are the patches waxy in nature?

Are these patches mainly up his back and or in areas he may not be able to reach good during grooming?  

Does he live alone?

Is he a big boy, maybe even a bit chubby?  

Just a few things to help me come up with what it may be.

Is there an odor to these patches?

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

QUESTION: can't take a photo sorry. no scabs, yes waxy, on his lower back, it is proly hard for him to reach there. yes he lives alone, he;s definately a big boy. he has not been neutered (don't have to heart) no odor. looks like ear wax, best description a can come up with. and he's not itchy of behaving abnormally.

Answer
Hello again!!!

Your little "big boy" has what is called "buck grease"

The reason I asked you what I did is so I was pretty sure before I said what he has and once you answered my questions, that confirmed it for me.

Usually seen in males that are intact (not neutered, and thats ok he isnt, I usually dont neuter mine unless there is severe aggression) the male produces excess hormones and this causes them to become extra greasy in areas that are not groomed well if the rat is a bit chubby and of course, living alone means no other rats can help him keep his back clean, either.

This causes a waxy build up that is orange to orangish yellow.  It can get really thick and cause sores and sometimes even a nasty infection can develop over time if the skin cannot breathe good so its a good idea to try to get rid of it.

Just imagine not being able to wash one area of your body very well. Eventually there will be a deposit of dirt there that wont come off real easy without some gentle scrubbing.

Using simply some dish soap like dawn dish washing liquid that removes grease from dishes can be used. If not, any type of shampoo for oily hair can be used.  Use just A tiny dot and lots of water, and gently rub the waxy area with a soft baby tooth brush and the soapy mix.  Dont try to get it all at once or it can cause sores.  A few times a week and it should come off.  Help him by using a childs soft hairbrush on him by brushing him daily just like you would a dog or cat.  This will help keep it from building up in the future since he cannot reach that area so well.  

hope this helps!