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My rat has a swollen, painful belly and trouble moving. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 1 month old | 1lb

URGENT!! My rat’s sides are starting to get swollen and protrude a lot and his middle half is getting huge. When I try to feel his belly, he runs and winces but his sides feel hard and squishy. I’m so worried about him, he looks like he’s having trouble moving around and I plan on bringing him to the vet but do you have any ideas what could be going on with him? His bedding is paper and he’s on oxbow. I noticed he didn’t enjoy it as much as his old food which was cheap frok walmart. PLEASE HELP

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1 Answer

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Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

Published on February 17th, 2018

Hello, The abdominal distention is concerning for fluid accumulation (abdominal effusion) or possibly a mass (tumor) in the abdomen. I would advise you to have Lorenzo evaluated by avian/exotic veterinary specialist as soon as possible.

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