Overindulgent pet owners and the feeding of diets rich in seeds and nuts are most often responsible for this condition. Commercial diets specifically designed for rats are always preferred and can be supplemented with whole-wheat bread, dry cereal, pasta, fruits, vegetables and nonfat yogurt. Malocclusion, in turn, results in overgrowth of one or more of the incisors, with subsequent injury to the mouth. Mice and rats with this problem must have their overgrown incisors trimmed periodically by an experienced veterinarian or veterinary technician. Tumors Both mice and rats are very susceptible to formation of tumors.
Mice frequently develop tumors representing a wide variety of tissue types.
The tumors may be external or internal. These are the most common tumors of pet rats. Because rats have mammary tissue in locations beneath the skin other than along the underside of the belly, it is not uncommon to find lumps and bumps representing mammary tumors over the shoulders, flanks and base of the tail. These tumors are relatively easy to surgically remove under general anesthesia. Owners of pet mice and rats should seek veterinary attention at once after discovering a lump, bump, or unusual mass protruding from a body opening.