My 1 1/2 year old male rat has had this red crusties on his eyes and araound his nose, only now, when he snezed, it comes out and it looks like blood, only darker, some times it spills on his whiskers, and im quite worried, he has had an antibiotic shot for his sneezing, but no pills, the vet examined him and everything, only due to a short on cash, i couldnt afford the pills, and the vet wont let me buy them from him, im in debt to him, im working with him on this, only now, he snezes more and these little red drips come out, but it doesnt ooze out like snot. he is fairly new, only about 2 or 4 weeks at my house, he used to live somewhare else with someone else, she gave him to me when i got him. the red crusties have gone from his eyes, so thats why im worried. i cant really afford another vet visit right now, due to my $150 vet debt, the freak didnt tell me what he was going to do, not give me an estimate, he defied my request of actions for the other rat, its getting worse.
2006-09-23 16:59:26 · 9 answers · asked by Bob7k 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
so does anyone know of any home remedies or over the counter meds i can give to him to help with this problem?
2006-09-23 17:00:01 · update #1
he also gets into tumbles with his brother, they never draw blood, and from what it looks like, he fights the other one untill he is on his back, then cleans him, from what i can tell, but like i said, they never draw blood, they will squeak, sometimes it sounds alarming, but when i look, they are just tumbling.
2006-09-23 17:01:51 · update #2
It sounds like a respiratory infection... Rats have a tendency to look like they're bleeding when the mucous membranes around their eyes/noses get inflamed. You should be able to find a general antibiotic at a pet store that you can put in the water bottle. I'm no vet though... Good luck!
2006-09-23 17:03:43 · answer #1 · answered by snake_girl85 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rats sometimes have a reddish discharge from their eyes and noses. This is normal and is called porphyrin. If he is playing with the other rat (yes, they love to play and tumble) he is probably fine. If you are using any kind of cedar or pine bedding change to aspen, newspaper, corncob, or some other litter immediately. The aromatic oils in cedar and pine cause respiratory problems in rats which will cause even more porphyrin to be produced. I always used aspen bedding - wood shavings from a non-aromatic tree. This site has a lot of answers that may help you http://www.ratbehavior.org/WhatIsMyRatDoingFAQ.htm It sounds as if your vet has minimal experience with rats if it cost you that much and nothing was resolved. FYI rats normally live about 3 years and some have lived longer but that is rare.
2006-09-23 18:24:28 · answer #2 · answered by twistedmouse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't blood. I have a total of 17 rats at this moment. (Hehehe, Tonya gave birth about 2 weeks ago)
It sounds like a respitory ifection. It is really common in rats. I know you don't have a real lot of money for the vets, I really don't know what to say. I think that you need to get out there and find some money to take him to the vets. I think it is really important for the health of your little boy.
2006-09-23 17:21:26 · answer #3 · answered by anacacia2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
rat sneezing may have a cold or mites or allergy to dust. Try changing the type of litter you use, no smelly kind just good clean litter. There are all diff types. Keep him warm don't let him chill and give plenty of water. Keep him clean. You can wash him but dry him very very well. There are some good rat care books out there, see if you can purchase one or look on the internet for rat health. It will be able to tell you more than me.
2006-09-23 17:06:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a respiratory infection to me. We have been in the same situation and the vet gave us baytril for her. If the sneezing continues for longer than a few days I would definately get your pet rat to a Vet.
Good Luck
2006-09-24 08:49:52 · answer #5 · answered by gonegurl54 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This sounds serious. I'm not educated with rats, but bleeding from the nose or eye is very bad . Separate him from the other rat and keep a close eye on him. It really sounds like death is knocking on the door. Poor baby.
2006-09-23 17:04:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know rats only live 18 months to 2 years right? He's getting on in years. It may be time to put him down if you can't afford to get the meds he needs.
2006-09-23 17:37:26 · answer #7 · answered by mom2babycolin 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i have rats, well maybe he is allergic to something, cuz once a rat of my uncles had red little dots with bulge out like rashies, is that what you mean, what you should do is go to that lady and see to his(the rat's )history!!
2006-09-23 17:05:35 · answer #8 · answered by winternovelist 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
one thing, if it's really bad, go see the vet!
2006-09-23 17:03:06 · answer #9 · answered by elia_princess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋