respiratory issue

Question
... my poor pet, Nakkie the female hairless rat (approximately 1 year in age) has had ongoing health issues. About three months ago I had a mammary tumor removed from her chest-like area and the procedure was successful. Unfortunately I am having a nightmare getting rid of her respiratory illnesses (Mycoplasma infections).

She has been taking medication, off and on, for about 6 months now. I have put her through several 1 to 3 week trials (depending on the prescriptions set by the vet who sees her) of various meds. I cannot recall which meds (antibiotics) she's been taking.

There are times now where she lays in her hammock and jerks uncontrollably for maybe 5-10 minute intervals. When she runs around you can hear her rasping as she breaths.

I am wondering at what point it is necessary to put her down. The medications seem to 'cure' her ailments for no more than a week after she has finished taking them. It looks like she is in pain, and there's a reddish brown type flakey substance around her eyes (indicating she is ill at times). She seems to be sick more than she is healthy. Her appetite appears to be alright still, but she's definitely not as active as she used to be.

Thanks so much.

Answer
Please check out my website, sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the page on mycoplasmosis.
As for putting her down....a happy rat eats, a rat that is sick and uncomfortable stops eating. The jerking you  describe almost sounds like a hiccup type spasm. Is that what it seems to be? These antibiotic trials....has any of them that worked lasted at least 4 weeks or was the treatment stopped after three weeks of positive results?

Is she dropping weight? Gasping? Sides sinking in when she breathes?  Also, it is a strong possibility that she may have heart disease. Has the vet suggested checking into this? This may explain why she doesnt respond to antibiotic treatment.  Either that, or she has COPD with lung scarring. Albuterol and steroids would also be of great benefit.  Has she ever had an xray done to see what condition her lungs are in?  There are more things that can be given to her aside from antibiotics to make her more comfortable.  Please let me know if the vet has considered these treatments. If not,  you need a new vet right away. I wouldnt put her down. There are too many options available that do not seem to have been offered to her yet. I think she still has a chance to be honest. One years old is just too young to give up on unless you tell me her feet turn blue, she gasps, cannot eat, is hunched over with her fur standing up on ends, open mouth breathing, no interest in doing anything but trying to survive. Thats when its time to either seek more aggressive treatment or put her to sleep humanely.