Rat respiratory illness

Question
Hi Sandra,
I recently took my son's pet rat (whom he LOVES dearly) to an exotic pet vet when he started to appear to be having trouble breathing.  They tested him and then said he has a respiratory illness and gave him 2 different meds.  I gave them to him for 10 days and he recovered. About 2 months later, the rat started having the same exact symptoms, so I called the vet to see if they could just prescribe me some more of the same meds without having to take him in (since it was an "exotic" vet place it costed $180 and I just couldn't pay this again).  They refused to do this even though I told them if they didn't the rat would die.  They didn't want to do this without "seeing him first."  But what would the harm have been to go ahead and prescribe the meds if it were the rat's only chance?  My son is very sad.  Do you know of a place online where I could buy these meds w/o a prescription? If not, is there ANYTHING else that can be done to help the rat live?  The meds are:  Baytril and another one which the label fell off, but it's pink and I'm assuming it was an antibiotic?  Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks!  Barbara

Answer
Your vet needs to put the rat on baytril for the rest of the rats life or he will end up doing this all the time.  Please read my website, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the page on rat illnesses.  Look up the info on MYCO and you will understand what is going on with the rat.  As for online, I am not sure where you can get it but it would need an RX no matter what. Also, it is illegal for a vet to prescribe medication for a rat without seeing it if enough time has elapsed between visits, but if it has only been a few weeks and it is for the same ailment, they can.

The other med is probably doxycycline.