I just adopted two male rats (around5-6months old) I adopted them from a family that couldnt care for them anymore becuase one of the family members was allergic to them. They got them from a pet store, and they were sneezing since they got them, they took them to the vets for antibiotics, but that did help, I use carefresh bedding, so I dont think the bedding is the problem... what else do you think I can do for them? take them back to the vets for more antibiotics ? i always noticed some discharge comeing from there nose, I keep vicks rub by there cage, but that hasnt helped either, but other then that, they seem to be okay, playful, eating/drinking lots.
2007-04-07 20:21:14 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Right now, I wouldn't worry about the sneezing. How long did the previous family have them, before they were given to you?
New surroundings will cause a rat to sneeze. All of my rats sneezed for around a week after being brought home. The male still does, on occasions.
The vet will be able to listen to the breathing, and let you know if the rats have upper respiratory problems, or if the sneezing is nothing to be concerned about.
Don't put Vicks near their cage. Although it works for congestion in humans, it could cause health problems in rats.
Last time I had a rat with upper respiratory, I was told that putting the rat in the bathroom (in the cage, or carrier), while you take a hot shower, will help them. Kind of like, how warm/hot water clears up our sinuses.
2007-04-07 20:56:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Worst case scenario is that she has an early stage of Mycoplasmosis. Its pretty common in pet store rats. If she starts making wierd sounds when she breathes (like a coffee pot bubbling, or guinea pig snorting), take her to the vet and she may have to be on antibiotics for the rest of her life. Red discharge from the eyes and nose are another sign. If she gets treated, she'll be perfectly fine. She also could simply be a sneezy rat. If I spent most of my day sniffing the air- I'd sneeze too.
2016-04-01 03:15:29 · answer #2 · answered by Barbara 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get rid of the vicks it is just irritating them. As far as antibiotics get them on a Baytril and Doxycycline combination. What they have if taking the vicks away and their sneezing doesnt stop...is called Myco for short..all rats are born with myco, but sometimes the bacteria flares up in their lungs and it causes scar tissue and sometimes can be fatal developeing into myco pnuemonia...that can hit a rat fast and hard. Some times killing them within 24 hours. And no myco is not something a human can get it is only rat/mouse related. Shaz
2007-04-08 13:32:57 · answer #3 · answered by Shaz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Respiratory infections are very common in mice and rats. They often need to be on antibiotics long-term to control it, especially at times of stress which causes respiratory problems to flare up.
Yes, do go to the vet for more antibiotics. The nasal discharge indicates that this is a particularly nasty flare up that needs to be treated - most likely triggered by the change of environment. Unfortunately now your rats have this problem, they will always be prone to it, but it can be controlled. The vet can also give you some PROPER veterinary stuff (maybe some Bisolvon) to clear their nasal passages.
My friend had two rats with respiratory infections, they always had it. She got antibiotics (enrofloxacin 'Baytril') every time it got particularly bad.
Chalice
2007-04-07 22:27:49 · answer #4 · answered by Chalice 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OMG! Please do NOT put Vicks rub by their cage!!!
Rodents aren't like humans. Never EVER use a human medication to treat your rodent.
Small animals like rodents and birds can be especially prone to respiratory infections. Rats, hamsters, mice, and gerbils all have an excellent sense of smell. They can be affected easily by drafts and anything around or near their cages.
Please take them to the vet. Maybe the original owners never took them like they said. Also, some reddish discharge from the nose is common for many rodents.
PLEASE remove that Vicks right now.
I accidentally killed 2 gerbils by burning a scented eucalyptus candle near their tank. Took me forever to find a vet that confirmed that eucalyptus is toxic to gerbils. The fumes killed them. :(
2007-04-07 20:37:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The only thing I can think of is the bedding. Is it Cedar shaving (red stuff)? I would use the recycled paper kind because it sounds like the bedding is aggravating your rodent's nose.
2007-04-07 20:27:46 · answer #6 · answered by sigpro 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I WOULD GET RID OF THE VICKS RUB COS IT MAKES MY EYES WATER AND MAKES ME SNEEZE SO IT MAY NOT DO FOR YOUR RATS EITHER.TRY CHANGING WHERE YOU BUY THE SAWDUST FROM IN CASE IT IS TOO DUSTY FOR THEM.SORRY IN CAPITALS I AM NOT SHOUTING!I CAUGHT THE BUTTON LOL.ALSO TRY SHREDDING TISSUE FOR BEDDING IN CASE THE STUFF YOU ARE USING ISNT AGREEING WITH THEM
2007-04-07 21:07:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're most likely getting used to the smell of the enviroment. That happened with one of my hamsters. She stopped after a while.
2007-04-07 20:27:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋