Rat attacked owner

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I was attacked by one of my male rats yesterday. I was laying on the floor watching tv and the boys were wandering around the floor as always. One just walked up stepped onto my forearm and its claws went in hyper-drive and he also sunk his teeth in, leaving an inch long gash. This boy is one of 3 adopted at a pet shop. They had all been housed together and were all suffering from a urinary tract infection. They have been with us for a month now with no signs of being violent. I am actually unsure which one attacked me as they are all almost identical. I am led to believe it is the one with a broken back nail. He usually vibrates when we take him out. Scared? And is usually reluctant to leave the cage and usually avoids us when out to play. We have other boys (separate) and girls (of course, separate). As usual we take each group out to play and the new boys come out last. Is it possible they smelled the other boys or girls on me, as I usually have them loaded in my arms to put them away? Do you think this behavior will repeat itself?

Thank you for your time.


ANSWER: Hi John

What antibiotic are they on for the urinary tract infection?
When you say he vibrates when you take him out, do you mean he quivers or is it a result of his bruxing (if your not sure what it is, bruxing is when a rat is content and they grind their teeth together real fast)

What signs did he show that made the vet diagnose a UTI?
Sorry for all the questions but this can all lead up to why he was acting aggressive.  Let me know and we will continue with a follow up.

ALso, you said how long you have had them for but did not mention his age?

Talk to you soon

Sandy

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

QUESTION: They were on clavomox. As far as symptoms: White bellies stained yellow, foul smelling urine and constant dribbling and they were not drinking much water. He is definitely quivering and not bruxing. I would guess they are maybe 6-8 months old.

ANSWER: How is the rat doing lately?

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

QUESTION: He has been pleasant. Not vibrating. Seems excited about coming out to play though a little hesitant to exit the cage. Little back and forth action before climbing on my hand. Still can't believe how much damage those tiny teeth can do.
John

Answer
Wanna hear something interesting?

An adult rats bite has 10lbs of pressure behind it. Thats...alot.
I have nerve damage from the wild rat I rescued and trained years back. My wild girl we nicknamed JAWS and CHOMPS!  I have two fingers that are numb that are a constant reminder of my girl Holly!

She turned into an angel though and lived to be nearly 4. Never bit me again, but she would have destroyed my big domestic boys if she could get her paws on them. She hated the fancy rats.