sneezing rat?

Question
we just got my son a female rat from petco. she is making a noise that sounds like a sneeze but i am not sure if it is a sneeze or if she is squeaking.  could this be a sign that something is wrong with her?  also, do you know of a vet in the college station area that sees rats?  thanks so very much!

Answer
Hi

I will assume you mean College Station, Texas?  If so, yes, here is an awesome place to take your rats:


Dr. Sharman Hoppes
Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine Small Animal Clinic     
4474 TAMU
College Station TX 77843-4474
Phone:    979-845-2351


Also, its normal for new rats to sneeze a bit. They are adjusting to their new surroundings, but if you hear any squeaking or congestion, she should be seen by a vet.  One word of warning, however: Never return your rat to the Petstore if they claim they will get it vet care for free since they have some sort of 14 day health guarantee. They usually do NOT have a good exotic vet and end up treating it in the back of the store or they put it down.  So many people have written to me about this and said how they have put the animal to sleep without even asking them or worse, I have been told by Petco employees that the sick rats returned for so called vet care are tossed in the feeder tank to be sold as snake food. They figure you wont become attached to the animal in that short of time so you wont make a fuss.  I say that once you take the pet from the store, its yours to keep and love and care for regardless of what happens. Its not fair to the animal to pass it around like a pair of shoes that dont quiet go with the outfit.  Not that you have any intentions of doing that but you would be surprised at how many people do this and its sad.


Anyhow, if your little rat seems congested or starts to have excess porphyrin discharge from her nose and eyes (read about it here if you need to read up on rat care etc) I would see the vet.


http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/bloodynoseandeyes.htm
Hope this helps.