rat

Question
hi. my rat is sneezing alot and has red stuff coming from his nose. i tryed switching his bedding and food but that didnt do anything. It will get better at times but then other times it gets bad. I have cats and dogs. I also have another rat in the same cage and it hasnt affected him. hes a fancy rat. i dont know the age but i just got him a month ago.he is eating and drinking normally and going to the bathroom normally. he plays with his brother at night. Im worried it might be an infection or that his brother is stressing him out. i tryed putting them in seperate cage  for about 3 days and no change. his brother does pick on him alot though. Can you please help im taking him to the vet next week. Im just really worried. Thank you for any help.

Answer
Hello Denise,

If you have a rat that is sneezing that is usually a sign of a respiratory infection.  It's not always a respiratory infection but usually is in the case.  The rats should be separated until your sick rat is treated, even going to the length of putting them in separate rooms because respiratory infections are very contagious and rats usually mask the symptoms that they are sick.

I am not really sure what the red stuff is that is coming out of his nose.  At first I thought it could be blood but I am not sure.  Does it seem like blood to you?

You are doing the right thing.  I would recommend a vet as soon as you can.  In the mean time, just separate them in their different cages and possibly in different rooms.  If it is a respiratory infection, the vet will prescribe an antibiotic and that should clear it up.  There is really nothing that can be done besides separating them until you see a vet.

I hope the best for your rats.  Please let me know how the vet visit goes.  Good luck!

Amber