My rat has been sneezing a lot

Question
Hi Sandra,  
My rat Diether has been sneezing on and off since I purchased him from
petsmart a month ago. But today I noticed that his nose is really red and
there were some red discharged coming from his nose.  I've been reading a
lot rats and they're common sickness, so when I saw his nose this morning, I
got really sad.  I don't want him to get sick, I've grown really attached to him
in a small period of time.  I bought FerretRx, i was told it works the same as
VetRx.  I also bought a warm vaporizer.  I'm observing him today and
hopefully it works.  
I'm new to the Denver area and don't know which vet to go to in case I have to
go, can you recommend one?  I live around Capital Hill.  
Do you think what I'm doing at the moment is ok?  or should I just take him
to the vet?

Also, I noticed he had a couple of scab, under his chin.  I'm guessing his
brother Phin, had something to do with it.  They normally get a long well.  
Should I separate them now or just observe it for awhile?  

Answer
What your doing is ok with the vaporizer to help open him up a bit, but I feel he has a respiratory infection and needs antibiotics too.

Also, dont separate the boys.  The usually do scrap and wrestle and tumble around. He may have gotten knicked by a long toenail.  Is there a lump under the scab??


Here are some vets in your area that are great for rats. I would get him in ASAP!  Meanwhile, read on my website about mycoplasmosis which causes respiratory illness in rats at this URL:

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/mycoplasmosispage.htm


This place is AWESOME and 15 mins. from Denver!

Dr. George Stroberg
Animal Central    
8308 Church Ranch Blvd
Westminster CO 80021
Phone:    303-469-7387