Male rat urinary tract infection or bladder stones?

Question
QUESTION: Hello!

I have a health question about one of my male rats. I don't know if he merely has a urinary tract infection or if he has serious bladder stones. He is a 4 month Himalayan rat and today, I noticed that he was peeing blood. I took him to the vet who said that he had a severe urinary tract infection. But due to the very large amount of blood in the urine (it almost looks like straight blood) they said that it is also possible that he has bladder stones or a tumor. The vet said that stones are not that common in rats so I opted not to get an x-ray and just got some Baytril for him. The vet said that if he seemed like he had no energy or stopped eating and drinking, or the blood concentration in the urine became higher, to bring him back immediately. When I brought him back home, I gave him a dose of Baytril and put him back in his cage. I hoped that the antibiotics would clear up his infection but I began doubting that he only had an infection when this evening, when I checked on him, he was lying in the bottom of the cage, ignoring all the other rats. One of his eyes had a bit of discharge and he looked hunched up. However, when I took him out of the cage, he seemed to perk up a bit and walked around a bit. He doesn't seem dehydrated and but he seems only mildy interested in exploring, his biggest pastime. He squeaked a couple times when I picked him up and let me lay him on his back when I held him, both of which he has never done before. He sometimes makes a weird forward body motion like someone hiccuping. He is still urinating, but I am worried that he also has stones. When he walks he is awkwardly hunched up, unlike my other rats. Do you think I should take him in again to get the x-ray for stones?

Thanks,
Mindy

ANSWER: Hi Mindy

I would opt for the x rays to be sure.  The good news is he is urinating and that means even if he has stones or crystals, he is not blocked. The medication may take a few days to work, three is the rule of thumb.  I am not real keen on using baytril for a nasty UTI though and prefer Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Septra) and have had better like with a sulfa drug rather than with baytril, although without knowing the culprit, it may be caused  by mycoplasma, so baytril may be the way to go. I will assume a urine culture was done?
He could have infection along with renal calculi.  However, the UTI could still cause discomfort, resulting in him assuming the hunched posture etc....as you   described.  Is he licking his genital area at all?  Did the vet give him something for pain and inflammation such as metacam? I hope so :(  There is no reason why he should be allow to suffer from this while he is on medication.

Is your vet an avian/exotic specialist or just a general vet that sees rat?

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QUESTION: I think my vet is just a general vet. I don't know any exotic specialists in the area. Do you happen to have anybody to suggest? My area code is 80921. My rat isn't on any pain meds and though a urine sample was done, it was inconclusive beyond the fact that the urine had bacteria due to the large amount of blood. My rat is not licking his genitals at all and has now stopped squeaking but doesn't move unless I prod him. He's getting dehydrated and he has lost a surprising amount of weight and he is very very lethargic. I fed him sweet potato baby food but he didn't eat much. He still cleans himself but his hunched posture has gotten worse and his feet and ears have become very pale. Is usual for a UTI reaction? I'm very worried.

Thanks,
Mindy

Answer

I am confused. If he has an infection, there would be bacteria in the urine so I am not sure why the vet had a hard time reading it. All that was needed was to identify the pathogen to be sure the proper medicatons were being dispensed. No matter the amount of blood in the urine that should not change the reading.

I think another vet should be seen ASAP. The clinic below is open Saturday from 8am till 1pm. I would explain this is an absolute emergency and get him in there pronto. I am not at all comfortable with his condition and feel he may be critical. I share your concern.
I am fearing blood loss as well due to his pale extremities. The weight loss is from dehydration. Try to offer him koolaid on a flat dish. Water down some applesauce and offer watermelon if you have any.
He needs fluids which will perk him up and I am sure the vet will give him fluids when he gets there.
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Dr. Lena M. Roeder\
or
Dr. Katherine Phillips
Dublin Animal Hospital    
Exotic Pets Seen:
888 Dublin Blvd
Colorado Springs CO 80918
Phone:    (719) 593-1336
Website: www.dublinanimalhospital.com

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