pet rat looking worse, help!

Question
Last week I noticed our pet rat bleeding on its back.  I have been checking him daily and noticed hair loss and red blood patches ranging from under his neck to by his ears and down his back.  What could this be and what can I do.  We have only had him for about a month. Please help!

Answer
Hi Tiffany

There are a few reasons why your rat could have this problem and without seeing it up close its impossible for me to know what it is, even just by trying to get a visual in my head its not possible to know for sure. It wouldn't be fair to your little furry friend for me to say I know what is wrong for sure and  Is the skin cracked or peeling or crusty? If there is flaking or "crust" is it white or green in color? Is it moist?
Is there a way to take a photo and submit it to me at
Sandyscrittercity@yahoo that would help alot too!
Also, what kind  of diet is he on?
I will, however, tell you what it "could" be, starting with the more common ailments to the more dangerous and complicated ones.

1. Ectoparasites such as mites or lice can cause itching and severe itching can cause irritation and breaking down of the skin, eventually causing sores to develop. People think since they cant see the parasites that they must not exist but the truth these, these critters spend about 10 percent of their time on the rat, feeding on their blood, and the rest of the time they spend in the bedding etc...which is why you should freeze the bedding 24 hours before using it to ensure that if there are mites or eggs, they will be destroyed.

2. Dermatitis and Eczema- This can be caused by allergies as well, especially to food. High protein can do this and it can also cause kidney damage in older rats so it is wise to avoid using commercial pet store seed mixes for rats since it is high in protein and fats and just all around no good for rats. If this is the case let me know and we can discuss changing diets to something more healthy for the rat.

Treatment consists of using hydrocortisone cream or ointment These can be purchased over the counter. Dab on skin and rub in thoroughly and also neosporin, also use sparingly and rub in thoroughly as well. I usually keep the rat busy and give him a treat or two while it absorbs. LOL
For severe itching, Antihistamines, such as benadryl can be used and dosed according to weight, which is verified by a Vet.
For more serious cases, steroid injections are needed for severe itching.

4. Pyroderma: This is a serious inflammatory infection of the skin  caused by nasty strep bacteria.   
The skin itself can be treated with the same creams and ointments listed above but this time the rat may need an injection to kill of systemic infection and follow up with oral meds as per the vets prescription.

I hope this brief guideline I made helps a bit,and if you can answer those few questions for me to help me get a better idea of what we are dealing with.

My gut tells me that he needs to see a vet when all is said and done since there may be a chance this is a skin infection that over the counter products wont be able to handle without help from more potent medications that are available by prescription only.
Do you have a good exotic vet or a traditional vet that has a special interest in exotics that you take the rat to see?
If not, I can help you locate one in your area.

Please let me know and hope he is doing ok today and not any worse.

regards

Sandy