2 rats, one sick and died, what to do?

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I have recently purchased two female rats from Petco, and when I brought them home I noticed one of them was sneezing. Not alot, just a little. I have never owned rats before so I thought it was natural. Then her sneezing became worse, she started getting a horribly runny nose. She sat hunched over in her cage, she even went through an aggressive stage. She would attack the sides of the cage and even my finger. She stopped eating alot, so I tried giving her fresh fruits and cherrios. I also gave her the steam treatment. I made her an appointment, but sadly after she seemed to be doing better with home remedys she was dead this morning before her vet appointment. Now, I am worried about my other rat catching something. I have bleached everything! I'd hate to loose another rat. Should I seek veterinarian care for her? Also, my sister purchased a rat from the same litter, and it is showing severe weight loss but no sneezing. I considered the pine shavings, but I changed them and now I use cloth towels and paper towels. I'd also like to get my other rat another companion, shes very outgoing and loves to play with others. Hope to hear from you soon!

Amanda

ANSWER: Amanda

Please refer to my website, sandyscrittercity.com and read up on mycoplasmosis.  Also, please do not ever use pine or cedar shavings for your rat cage.  This can lead to dangerous respiratory problems as well as liver problems due to the phenol oils found in the shavings.

As you have found, home remedies do not work when dealing with infection like she had.  She had pneumonia from what it sounds like. The aggressive stage you witnessed came because she was slowly suffocating and was in a panic. Her lungs were probably filling with fluids. Please read up on my website so you know what to look for in the future when your rat starts showing signs of illness.  You can never learn too much about rat care, trust me.  So many vets out there are clueless so the more  you know, the better off your rat will be.

Please let me know your location and I will give you names of a good vet to see your rats. Your sisters rat needs a vet right away. Weight loss is never good.  Also, you both should read up on my site about proper diet as well.  A good way to kill your pet rat not only is to use pine, cedar shavings, but keeping them in aquariums rather than roomy cages, using seed mixes full of garbage that pet stores sell and not having a good vet are all reasons why our rats  die at 2 years old and younger.  You should get your rat a cagemate since rats need each other and are very social, but its also a good idea that you continue your research on rat care. I can see your on the right track now by contacting me. You meed to focus reading about mycoplasmosis on my website too so you can prevent this from happening as well. Chances are your rats already have it and it went to your other rats lungs and caused pneumonia.  Learn how to prevent it by keeping the rat cage clean esp from their ammonia scented urine. They should never be around cigarette smoke, candles, not even sprays to freshen the room.  You will see what its all about on my site.  Let me know after you start reading it.

Good luck and please let me know   where your city and state are so I can give you those names.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Okay, thanks alot! I am looking to purchase another female rat to give my current one a companion. She is looking rather lonely, but this time a breeder rather than the pet store. I live in Dawsonville, Ga. I have an appointment to get my other rat a checkup, because I will be devestated if she too get ill. She appears great; playing, hiding, doing tricks, talking. But I rather be safe than sorry. They're off pine, she seems to enjoy the towels and paper towels more. My sisters rat is going to vet, they're only babies.. it's so sad to see them sick. My rats are kept in a rat condo, as I call it. It is HUGE and very roomy. I will read up on your website, I also purchase a rat care guide, these little animals sure work their ways into your heart :)

Thanks,

Amanda

Answer
I have a very good friend that has a practice in Marietta GA.  Is that super far from you?
He is the ONLY Vet I trust in that area to send  you to see.  I would have to check around for others.  Who do you go to now?  What vet is your sister using?  Its VITAL that your sister takes them to someone that knows what they are doing.

This place is 44 mins from your location:

Dr. Tammy Parker
Loving Hands Animal Clinic
Address:  13775 Hwy 9
 Alpharetta GA 30004
Phone: 770-667-9022   


How close are you to Atlanta?