Question(s) about Myco

Question
QUESTION: Hi Sandra,

We have a 1 yr 6 months old rat called Darwin. He has had Myco for about 8 months. He was on Doxy alone until about two weeks ago when we also introduced Baytril at 0.3 twice a day because the Doxy wasn't controlling the Myco - the noises had returned. However, after some success for about a week or so, the noises started to come back and were getting worse and worse so after another trip to the vet we increased the dose of Baytril to 0.5 twice a day (he is about 850g). This hasn't really made any difference, the noises are still there and sound terrible. Despite this, he is fine within himself and still very bright.

However, last night he started to look as though he was beginning to have laboured breathing. We worried that he might be developing a secondary infection. We took him to the vets this morning and they had a listen to his chest (unfortunately our usual vet wasn't there, so we saw somebody who didn't know much about rats). Fortunately I took along some print outs from the rat fan club about respiratory & heart disease in rats, and between us and the vet decided to add some amoxicillin trihydrate despite the fact that his lungs sounded fine. The vet said that although they did, it didn't mean that he didn't have an infection.

The dose is 50mg/ml 15ml x 1 which works out as 0.2ml twice a day. This seems on the small side to me. I was thinking given his weight, he should be on a dosage of 0.4 twice a day? What do you think?

Also, do you think the Baytril is working? Is there anything else we can try? He is eating well and acting fine and bright but the wheezing noises are not going away.

Thanks in advance.

Chris

ANSWER: Please refer to my site, sandyscritercity.com and check out the info on myco.  The problem is, if the rat wasnt treated properly the first time, the second time he relapsed may have caused him to end up with lung scarring etc...which happens when they are not given the right dose for the proper length of time.  Amoxil is ok for a secondary infection, but there are better drugs out there.  If you do not see any change for the better in the first three days of amoxil therapy, another stronger broad spectrum may be added.  As for the amoxil dose, it should be as follows:

10mg/lb OR .20cc/lb

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QUESTION: Hi Sandra, thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I had a look at your site and it is very informative, thanks.

When you mention a stronger antibiotic instead of the Amoxacillin, do you mean something like Gentacin? Also, we are having a hard time getting the Baytril into him. We've tried loads of different things like baby food and bread/jam. Loads of stuff. The problem is that he eats everything BUT the bit with the Baytril in and so we have to run downstairs and squish it into something else, maybe 5/6 times before he gets it all, and this can take upwards of 45 Min's to an hour. Do you think this could effect the potency of the dose?? The Doxy is not a problem because it's in powder form.

Thanks again,

Chris

ANSWER: I like to use trimethoprim which is also known as Co-trimazine for secondary infections and also like Clavamox is also a good drug to use.

Gentocin, amakacin or chloramphenicol are the stronger drugs that should be reserved for stubborn infections.  Most vets are terrified to use gentocin because it can be nephrotoxic used long term, but they are also not keeping in mind the fast metabolic rate of the rat, who, unlike other animals, do NOT show signs of any renal disturbance when used for up to 14 days so its really sad to see that our rats get sick and die because of uneducated vets fearing to use a stronger drug that can save their life and HAS saved many rats lives with absolutely NO side effects from using gentocin or amakacin.  Its pretty sad.

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QUESTION: Hi Sandra, just to update you, we took Darwin to the vets - we needed more meds and we took him along to get a further check up. The noises are still there, last week towards the end of the week they calmed down quite a lot but they returned at the beginning of the week. His breathing is quite laboured at times, and might be getting a bit worse. Anyhow, regarding viable lung/lung damage from the Myco, am I right in thinking that if there were any damage the vet would be able to hear when listening to his lungs? I mention this because the vet said that his lungs sounded completely clear, as good as those of a normal rat.

Answer

I would have to hear him myself rather than go by what the vet says. I really hate to be so hard core about Vets and rats but I have little faith in them when it comes to seeing rats. So many of them are clueless.

I would say at this point have the vet take an Xray of his lungs but if he had clear lungs he would not have labored breathing and it would not be progressing like it is.

If you want to go private and tell me the name of the vet (Totally confidential) I can check out his or her credentials. I am almost willing to bet my left eye this vet is a general DVM and sees probably 5 rats a month.