Rats breathing problems?

Question

http://www.esnips.com/nsdoc/f1fdbbeb-0f26-4d46-9466-8874dcd2173e/?action=forceDL was the link i couldnt get up, the problem is my rats make this wierd heavy breathing, like they have alot of fluid in thier nose, and i think it might be sick, has any of your healthy rats ever made this noise? also, does anyone know of a vet who treats rats in Ontario CA? he usually makes this noise when i pick him up, and sometimes he seems to not like the idea of being lifted, he squirms. i cant find a cause for this, the bedding is like paper, only kinda fluffy, like recycled cardboard, nice rat nesting stuff, they get all the fruits and veggies when i make my morning sandwich, they are about 1 1/2 to 2 years old, so age might play into this, also, about how much does a visit to the vet cost for a check-up? meds? im really worried, there isnt a draft, they just got cage cleaned 2 days ago, i dont over feed them, and they are on a dresser like headboard thing, i modified it for to be a shelf.

click the link at the begining of the question to download a .wav sound that i recorded of the rat's breathing, has your rat ever made that noise?

Answer 1

This is called mycoplasmosis and is very, very common in rats. Most rats end up with it in their old age one way or the other--yours sound about the right age.

On the upside, it's chronic but they can live with it. I had a rat who started exhibiting symptoms at about six months and managed to live out her whole life. At the time, I had a very good local pet store who was able to get me the medication for it (tetracycline, not too hard to get hold of) in pill form a couple pills at a time, costing me only about $2 a pill, and each pill being good for about a month's dosage when divided out in peanut butter.

It sounds like you're taking fine care of them, and I don't think any of it is your fault--just getting older. I'd see if you can find a vet and get some medication, and with proper administration, they shouldn't suffer any complications (though the sound may never fully abate--once they've got it, it's for life).

ETA: Information on myco in rats:

http://www.rmca.org/Articles/myco.htm

http://www.ratfanclub.org/resp.html

Answer 2

I agree, most likely mycoplasmosis. Almost all pet rats are carriers and it comes out at some points in their lives as an upper respiratory infection. I personally would not purchase pet store Tetracycline and try to "divide it up."

I would definitely take the little guy to a vet so he doens't develop a full-blown pneumonia though.

Do NOT put any sort of Vicks vapo rub or any other sort of nonsense on his sensitive little nose. Their tissue is so much more sensitive than ours because they depend on their sense of smell since they can't see very well. It would be like lighting his poor little nose on fire. Also do not try and give him any sort of decongestant. Decongestants constrict blood vessels and without an accurate dose for a ratsy, you would likely give him a stroke.

Take him to the vet. Typically the cost is about $50 (US) for the appointment (without Xray, because truly that is not necessary and don't let them talk you into it, you know his lungs are going to be cloudy from fluid, so don't worry about that. Only worry if he doesn't get better on antibiotics) and medication.

Make sure he stays well hydrated and keep an eye on him to make sure he is still eating. Also, keep him away from your other rat(s)!! Very contagious right now!! Wash between handling them. If you want, you can treat them both just tell the vet you need double the meds.

Good luck!
Lisa and the Wheeks and Squeaks GP Rescue

Answer 3

it is suffering from bronchitus,if your rats has a runny nose and sneezes more then usual...go hear its lungs,simply lift it up and press its side,just behind its front leg against your ear,if you can hear a click sound between inhalation and exhalation,then the infection is a early stage,this is the cure...First put either a dab of decongestant rub in each nostril,try Vick Oil or Olbas,one Denges garlic pill,twice daily or a half a 2mg capsule of garlic can be used,human cough medicine sudafed,formulated for nasal congestion,is great for clearing mild or medium chest infections 0.1ml per day ,also to keep your rats warm by putting a hot water bottle in its cage,you may wan to throw in some wool cloth..if problems still persist after 3 days,please go to a vet

Answer 4

I had pet rats and it sounds like he has a respiratory infection. I had to treat 3 rats for a respiratory infection and I paid $160.00 for the vet visit and the 2 medications that I had to give them. I am guessing it wouldn't be as much for just one rat but I wouldn't wait, you may wake up to a dead rat. Look for a vet that treats exotic animals. Most normal vets will treat a rat though too.