My rats

Question
In April of 2009, I got a rat from a nearby pets store for my birthday and she died in October of 2009.She was the first rat my mom and I ever ha that had been sick, so we didnt know what it meant when she was sneezing.
On the 12 of October she started acting weird, but my step dad just said she was tired.She was breathing really weird and wouldnt move.The day after, I showed her to my mom, who told me to get her out so we could check on her.
I was to grab her and she bit me.Thats when me and my mom got scared, because Trixie had never bitten anyone in the six mouths we had her.
We took her to a nearby clinic, that told us she had pneumonia, and told us it was best for her if she was to be put down.So thats what we did.
They kept the cage, and told us, if we were planning on getting a new rat to clean every thing Trixie touched.We threw out all that stuff, and got a new rat, and supplies.
A few days later, the new rat was sneezing too.My parents say were not taking another rat to the vet, so I need help.I dont want to lose another one!
Is there anyway I could help her get better, without taking her to the vet?
Please help.

Thanks.

Answer
I am so sad to hear about your little rat that passed away.  Sadly if they have a certain type of pneumonia its hard to recover from it but its usually worth a try. I would find a new vet for starters because it doesn't seem right that the vet you saw did not even attempt to save your rat when there are plenty of very strong antibiotics out there that can help when rats are sick.

However, the best bet is to read about mycoplasmosis and how to prevent it as much as possible in order to help prevent your rat from getting sick.  Sneezing is not always a sign of illness but its best to arm yourself with knowledge as much as you can about this condition that can lead to respiratory infections.

Here is the link to it on my website:

http://www.sandyscrittercity.com/mycoplasmosispage.htm