Please help!

Question
QUESTION: Ok, so I have just a few questions. My two rats Shadow, and Bandit, are 3 years old, and they seem to have a bit trouble breathing. They both get hiccups (and they both make a weird chirping noise) and red stuff coming from their nose, sort of looks like blood. I don't really know what's going on, because now it seems like their breathing is getting worse, and I don't know what to do. I've asked my dad if we can take them to the vet, but he says we don't have enough money, and I just don't know what to do now. Is there anyway I can help my ratties without spending much money? Or how much does getting them treated cost? Please help me, I love them so much! I'd do anything for them, I don't care how much it costs, I just want to help them!

ANSWER: Hi


The bloody discharge your seeing is called PORPHYRIN and you can see photos of rats with it on my site and read about what it is, but its not blood so dont worry.  It does mean they are sick though.


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


They have what is called MYCOPLASMOSIS and it is an infection that causes respiratory infection and can cause pneumonia. They both need antibiotics so they can get better and the only way is to see a vet. If you need a vet let me know your location and I will find a vet that may take payments etc...  but they do need to see a vet or they will get worse.  Read about what myco is on my site here:

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

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

QUESTION: Oh thank you so much for replying! Will myco kill them? How long should they be on antibiotics? I think there's a vet that's pretty close to us, but i don't know anything about the place.

Answer
Let me know where your located (city and state or zip code) and I can find the right vet for you.   Yes myco can eventually cause death to them by scarring their lungs or causing a dangerous pneumonia which is why you need a vet that knows how to treat rats/exotics. I have a database here of vets that treat exotics and can find the right vet for your rats.