# My rat has a bald spot

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rat-has-a-bald-spot/123065>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [August 9, 2002, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rat-has-a-bald-spot/123065 "2002-08-09T01:24:11Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![papergirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/aca169/32.png) [@papergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/papergirl)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2002, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rat-has-a-bald-spot/123065/1 "2002-08-09T01:24:11Z")

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We got this rat from the Humane Society a few months ago, and she seems healthy–eats well, friendly, bright shiny eyes, chubby. But she’s developed a bare spot on her chest, and today I notice that her legs are also a bit bare.  
The skin doesn’t look inflamed–just nekkid. She doesn’t seem to be scratching or anything.  
I googled it and found references to skin mites (although it sounds like I should be seeing some skin irritation if that’s the case) and advice to take her to the vet. But in the meantime, has anyone seen anything like this?  
I’m a bit concerned because my friend had a ferret who lost its hair, and it turned out to have a fatal tumor. ☹  
Thanks,  
~karol

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**Author:** ![Roadwalker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e19b73/32.png) [@Roadwalker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roadwalker)\
**Post date:** [August 9, 2002, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-rat-has-a-bald-spot/123065/2 "2002-08-09T02:07:58Z")

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Try looking for “ratlist” or RMCA on the net. We have found their information helpful.  
I will come back later with the address.