Our guide to treating illnesses in your small pet, part of our series on pet health problems. Often a change in behaviour, such as loss of appetite, is indicative of ill health, so always keep an eye out for problems. Incorrect diet and poor conditions increase the risk of illness, so read up on what to feed your pet and how to house it.

1) Rabbits

Signs of illness include change in appetite, water and food intake, weight loss, diarrhoea, skin problems, snuffling or dribbling, and facial swelling.

Common problems

• Teeth and claws – can become overgrown
• Skin problems – can indicate parasites or bacterial infection
• Digestive problems – result from incorrect diet, illness or stress, but remember rabbits do both soft and hard droppings and eat the hard ones: this is normal behaviour
• Coccidiosis – watch out for a yellow tinge, diarrhoea, dullness and loss of appetite
• Flystrike – caused by flies laying eggs in soiled fur; keep the rabbit and their home clean
• Obesity – results from incorrect diet

2) Gerbils

Signs of ill health include decreased appetite, hunching, runny nose and eyes and dull coat.

Common problems

• Teeth and claws – can become overgrown
• Sore eyes and nose – caused by dusty bedding
• Tail injuries – caused by poor handling or inappropriate toys
• Tyzzer’s disease – watch out for tiredness, lack of appetite and diarrhoea

3) Guinea pigs

Can be prone to illness but the risk is decreased by correct diet and housing. Signs include change in appetite and water intake, weight loss, diarrhoea, and hair loss.

Common problems

• Teeth and claws – can become overgrown
• Skin problems – can indicate parasites
• Flystrike – can affect long-haired varieties, avoid by grooming and changing bedding regularly
• Ringworm – watch out for bald patches on their face
• Vitamin C deficiency – causes weight loss, weakness and swollen joints

4) Hamsters

Signs of ill health include decreased appetite, altered water intake, weight loss, diarrhoea, and hair loss.

Common problems

• Claws and teeth – can become overgrown
• Skin problems – can indicate parasites
• Damage to cheek pouches – watch out for dribbling or loss of appetite
• Breathing problems – can lead to sore eyes (also caused by dusty bedding)
• Wet tail – watch out for loss of appetite and diarrhoea

5) Rats and mice

A healthy rat or mouse has bright eyes, and a clean nose and ears. Ill health is indicated by changes in eating and drinking habits, an untidy coat, lethargy and a reluctance to move even when handled.

Common problems

• Claws and teeth – can become overgrown
• Skin problems – can indicate parasites
• Breathing problems – watch out for nasal discharge, uneven breathing and loss of appetite
• Middle ear disease – watch out for your rat walking in circles and holding its head on one side
• Tumours – often develop in older rats
• Diarrhoea – common in mice, caused by infections and problems with diet
• Weeping eyes – the Harderian gland in mice and rats produces a reddish brown secretion which can indicate illness or stress

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