breathing & balance problems

Question
Last night my rat started having some breathing issues (it sounded like his nose was congested) and then early this morning he started seizing. Ever since he seems to have difficulty walking and he sleeps curled up with his head down and back legs sticking oddly up (he usually sleeps on his belly sprawled out).

Do you have any advice on what is wrong and a location of a vet that treats rats? I live in Fort Collins, CO 80526. Thanks for your time.

Answer
The vets below are vets with a strong interest in exotics and have alot of experience working with them.  They are NOT avian/exotic specialists, as these vets seem to be a few hours from you. The vets below would be good choices to see your litte one.  Sounds like he has possibly an inner ear infection and a respiratory infection. Mycoplasmosis is often the culprit so the vet will probably give your rat baytril and doxycycline.  
If these places are still way to far, let me know. Sometimes we have to travel an hour for a good vet since there only 130 exotic specialists in the entire world so we are lucky to have one or two per state.  I am lucky enough to have 6 or 7 in my state and NC I believe California has around 16.  Anyhow let me know about the vets and I can look for more.





Dr. Bill guerrera
The Animal Doctor
1705 W. 10th Avenue
Broomfield CO 80020
Phone:    303-466-8888
Website:theanimaldoctor.org


*******


Dr. Jolynn Chappell
Aspen Wing Bird and Animal Hospital    
3904 West Eisenhower Blvd
Loveland CO 80537
Phone:    970-635-1850
Website: www.aspenwing.com