whats wrong with my babies?!

Question
i don't know if you remember my question, BUT, my babies ( Greasy and Marley) are feeling much better with the little drop of benadryl, i rubbed it on their noeses and they licked it off.. Both babies did sleep VERY well for about an hour and a half and now they are running around happy, but the sneezing and monkey/clicking noises are coming back, how often can i give them the benadryl and how long will they be okay (i can't afford antibiotics for another few weeks) We also found out that Marley is a boy aswell this morning! they like to dominate eachother quite a bit though ! :)

Answer
I definately remember your question and my answer to you.  I'm glad to hear they both turned out to be boys...lucky for you :)

I seriously don't feel comfortable blessing the use of Benadryl.  Medication given to rats by a vet is dosed based on their weight and so how would you even know what amount would be appropriate.  Besides that, Benadryl, like other over the counter meds for colds, does not cure the problem, but simply masks the symptoms so that you "feel better" temporarily.  That is why they slept well and were feeling better for a little while.

As I explained in my prior response, this is not a cold you are dealing with as rats don't get colds.  A respiratory infection can ONLY be cured with prescription antibiotics.  I honestly would not take any chances with this condition.  Compare this to a bad chest infection in a human, which turns to bronchitis and if not treated with antibiotics, can turn to pneumonia.  Rats with respiratory infections CAN get pneumonia, and as you know, pneumonia is a serious condition that can lead to death.

I understand that you have a financial sitiuation right now.  Here's what recommend.  Find a local vet that has experience with treating rats (if you don't already have one).  Call and explain that you believe your rats have a respiratory infection and expalin also your financial hardship.  MANY good vets are interested in the well-being of animals and are often willing to work with people so that their pets can be treated.  For example, my own rat had a mammary tumor last year and I could not afford the $300 surgery but it needed to be done promptly.  My vet was very understanding and allowed me to pay in installments over the next 3 months.  Because of this, my rat's life was saved.

If one vet is unwilling to help you, make some calls to other vets and I'll bet you'll find one that will work with you.  Please let me know what happens and good luck to you and your babies.