Sneezing of my rat

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi Jess

I just brough home my two little ladies Oreo (black head and stripe down her back) and Aero (brown head and stripe down her back) and I'm very concerned with Aero. She is sneezing and breathes much quicker than Oreo, and I've noticed Oreo sneezing a little (not as much as Aero) also). She eats, drinks, and plays with Oreo and is very curious with me and the strips of paper I hand her in the cage. She also seems to kind of shake a little bit when she is standing/lying.

I use LifeMate Hemp Bedding (it was recommended by the pet store) and feed them lab pellets with various veg. and fruits. I have also put some fresh garlic in their aquariam and some cooked egg. They have lots of fleece for nesting and strips of paper they take from me as kind of a game, however they don't really seem to sleep in it all the time. I was worried about the temp. because my house is rather cold so I took a heating pad and wraped it around the corner they sleep in keeping it warm and out of the way of teeth.

Should I worry about respitory infection... is it time to see the vet? I've only had them for three days but I'm already EXTREMELY attached... I'll do whatever I need to...

Robyn

P.S. Sorry about the long question... I just want to make sure you can make an informed recommendation.
Answer -
Hello Robyn,

Don't worry how many question you ask that's what I'm here for.

You say there in a aquariam, (I take that it is all glass), Normaly a all glass cage is not a good idea for a rat, but as you say it is cold in the house them it should be fine, but in the summer it could get to hot in the tank so they may need a wire cage. You also say that you use 'Fleece' for bedding, this is not sutiable for rats as it can hang them. Any paper based bedding is best or a fleecey lined hammock.

Here are something that may help now and in the future.   Clean the cage about 3 times a week, use dust free bedding (paper based), Don't believe what pet shops tell you (always ask a breeder any questions) and please next time buy your rats from a breeder, then hopefuly there be healthy.

I would take Aero and Oreo to the vets, as it sounds that she has a respitory infection and it may have lead on a bit more (to something like pneumonia or if unleft could lead to heart failure).

Hope this helps and that Aero and Oreo are alright.

Take Care
Jess
Nitros Fancy Rats

Hi again Jess

I took Aero to the vet and got some Baytril for her, the problem is that she won't take it, she fights like crazy when I try to inject it in her mouth. Oreo is now showing the same signs so I was told by the vet to start treating her also. I tried mixing in a little flour and putting it on them because I read that they will clean it off despite the taste. Well to make it short, they both look horible with 'crap' in there fure, and Oreo has pulled the fur right off of where I put it leaving a bald patch. It's not raw or anything but obviously this isn't a good idea. What can I do... please help if you can, I love these little girls very much (already) and don't want them to suffer, with sickness or with stress from getting medication.

Thank you

Robyn

Answer
Hello Robyn,

Glad that the vet has put them on Baytril, it will help to make them better. Most rats don't like there meds, so what is best to do is mix the meds in a little amount of baby food. If this does not work try adding the meds to a small amount of bread.

Hope this works.
Take Care
Jess
Nitros Fancy Rats