help with rat????

Question

My rat Pinkie is making a weird sound; it is coming from her nose. It sounds kind of like she has a stuffy nose. Can this lead to anything bad??? Or does she just have a cold. She started to make the sound this morning. :( :)

She is drinking, eating, and active.

thanks yall!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

It could be just a cold or it could be an upper respiratory infection. Its better to be safe than sorry. What kind of bedding are you using? If its cedar then thats definately the cause. If its not cedar but still wood chips, try switching to a paper pulp like carefresh temporarily. This is much gentler on the lungs because it doesnt produce any dust and doesnt have an odor that could also be irritating her.

A little trick I learned when I had bought a rat with a URI that really helped was using liquid echinacea. Its an herbal supplement used as an antibiotic and immune system stimulator. If the URI isnt that deep in the lungs, this will give her system enough of a boost to get rid of it and will definately help if its just a cold. All you do is put 4 or 5 drops in the water bottle and change it every day. Within a week you should see improvement. If not, its most likely a serious URI and you should c all your vet.

Answer 2

Respiratory illnesses are the most common health problem we see in rats. They are prone to several viruses. Most of the time they can recover on their own, but it may come back again and again. If she is acting sick and not eating, it can turn into pneumonia and a vet visit is needed to get the appropriate antibiotics. Choose a vet experienced in pocket pet medicine--not all are. A good rodent block, clean bedding (stay away from cedar and pine) is important.

Answer 3

Has she always had this? If the sounds are kind of high frequency squeaks, then this is their normal way of communication. If the cage is located in a dafty area or if it is kept on pine and cedar shavings, then these can be the cause of any potential problems. I'm not sure if colds or other respitory problems can be recognized in this way, but do take her to see a vet to be sure.

Answer 4

check her nose and see if anything is stuck
clean her nose with saline solution spray
if she still makes this noise take her to the vet
she may have a respitory infection

Answer 5

Rodents are prone to pneumonia, Get some antibiotics from the pet store.

Answer 6

if it happens all the time it just might be a something she does or if it just started she could be very sick take her to a vet before it gets too bad.best of hope and wishes.


"air kisses"
Rat Lover

Answer 7

She could have a cold. Its probably nothing, but you can always have a vet check just to be sure. Clean bedding and a good diet is also a big part of keeping a healthy rattie.