Baby Rats crusty eyes

Question
Hello Sandra

Thank you for all previous advice you have given me. I now have another question!

This morning I picked up 6 new rescue girls at 7 weeks old.
I only rescue so I know very often the bloodlines etc many not be the best, but I love to give a chance to those that no one else wants.

Three of these little girls have crusty red eyes. Not overly severe, but I am concerned it could be early stages of Myco. I have had rats for many years and have had many on Baytril and Doxy for long periods of time.
I have a very good vet, although no true exotics are to be found anywhere near where I live (Adelaide, South Australia)so hoping you could help me here.

They dont seem to be sneezing, all of them are kept in a seperate house until they are big enough to move into the big girls house, and their bedding is soft bunny rugs, so no paper or shavings.

If this is myco, how safe is it to give either Baytril or Doxy to such small babies? I dont know what else it could be. I cant imagine it is an injury as it is not just one rat with the problem.

I really appreciate any help you could give me on this.

kind regards
Shane

Answer
Ideally, baytril should be reserved for rats older than 4 months unless the benefits outweigh the risks. I like to use zithromax, at least for the first 3 days of active infection and if there is no change, baytril should be used.

Also, there is one vet that I know of that is a true small mammal vet whos info is below:

Dr. David Vella
NORTH SHORE VETERINARY SPECIALIST CENTRE
a 64 Atchison St Crows Nest NSW 2065 Australia

I have a feeling this place is forever away from you though, even though I slept through geography class in school.....