Squid Rat

Squid Rat, also known as Holstein Guinea Pig, has a black and white fur color pattern similar to a Holstein cow. The most common fur color is chocolate or black from the front legs to the head, known as a headscarf, with mostly white back but with black spots or a black stripe in the middle. The tail of the Squid Rat is almost the same length as its body and often has black patches. Once the Squid Rat reaches adulthood, it can reproduce throughout the year, with a high reproductive rate of 10-20 pups per litter.

Squid Rat is distributed in the United States and China. The domestic breeding rate of this species in China is not very high, while the breeding rate is higher in foreign countries.

Squid Rat is suitable for all lovers of small pets. Squid Rats have a gentle temperament and rarely bite. They can be trained to recognize their owners from a young age, and male Squid Rats are generally more docile and easier to train. Squid Rats have senses of vision, touch, hearing, and chemical stimulation. They mainly rest during the day but will also adjust their resting time according to their owners' schedule.

1. Tumor

Pet Symptoms: When pet is touched, there is a noticeable protrusion in a certain part of the body, and over time, the protrusion becomes larger.

Squid Rat, like humans, develops tumors when there are abnormalities in the body cells, and they can be either benign or malignant tumors. When a tumor is found on a Squid Rat's body, a tissue slice examination is needed to diagnose the nature of the tumor. If the tumor is malignant, surgical removal is required. However, after surgery, there is still a chance for malignant cells to spread to other parts, leading to tumor metastasis and recurrence.

2. Skin Disease

Pet Symptoms: Squid Rats may experience hair loss, scratching, and redness and shedding of the skin.

First, keep the environment clean and dry, actively consult a veterinarian, and seek good medical advice. Finally, conduct relevant tests such as skin microscopy for the pet, determine the skin problem, and then apply corresponding medications.

3. Heart Disease

Pet Symptoms: Loss of appetite, poor mobility, and difficulty breathing.

If a Squid Rat exhibits the above symptoms, it may be suspected of having heart disease. Consult a veterinarian proactively and conduct detailed examinations based on professional inquiries by the veterinarian. For example, X-ray examination can be performed to observe whether there is hypertrophy of the heart ventricles, etc. After confirming the condition, in order to stabilize the condition, treatment can be administered using cardiotonics, vasodilators, etc.

4. Malocclusion

Symptoms: Drooling, inability to fully close the mouth, loss of appetite, etc.

Recommended approach: To prevent malocclusion in Squid Rats, regularly provide them with harder foods or mineral stones for teeth grinding. If malocclusion is found in a Squid Rat, a veterinarian should be consulted to grind their teeth.

5. Constipation

Pet Symptoms: A significant decrease in bowel movements, or even no stool.

When the environment of keeping pets changes, Squid Rats may experience constipation. Additionally, Squid Rats may also suffer from constipation due to bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections. First, keep the cage clean, then provide the pet with fresh and fiber-rich food, and sufficient water. Treat accordingly under professional veterinary guidance. If the condition is severe, seek timely medical treatment.

6. Cold

Pet Symptoms: Drooping ears, low spirits, moist nose, and weak willingness to move.

If a Squid Rat catches a cold, it should be treated promptly. If the condition is not very serious, one can try using some anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment. However, the dosage must be well-controlled. Squid Rats can prevent colds by feeding them foods containing vitamin C on a regular basis. At the same time, proper warmth measures should be taken, and avoid placing the cage in areas with strong winds.

It is forbidden to feed human food to the Squid Rat, as it has high salt content and heavy seasoning, which can increase the burden on its body. Try to avoid direct exposure to the sun as Squid Rats are afraid of heat. As summer approaches, use heat sinks, ice packs, and marble to help them cool down. If you are not mentally prepared or financially capable, do not keep male and female rats together in the same cage, as their breeding capacity is very impressive. It is prohibited to use feed of unknown origin. Do not keep the Squid Rat in a small space, they should have at least a water bottle, food bowl, and small nest. It is recommended to use wood shavings as bedding material, which has excellent deodorizing effect. (Squid Rat's urine has a slight odor)

Squid Rats usually bathe themselves, but some Squid Rats do not know how to bathe and need their owners to teach them. When a Squid Rat is playing in the bathing sand, you can use a small spoon to pour the sand on its back and let it shake its body. You can also put another Squid Rat that knows how to bathe in the bathing sand to let it learn and imitate.