i think my rat is dying

Question
QUESTION: my rat has respiritory disease that has developed into pneumonia. he has had baytril for 1 week and now, also amoxicillin for the past two days. he seems worse. he won't eat or drink. i have been syringe feeding him sugar water 1ml every two hours during the day for the last 7 days. he finds this stressful as he can't breath very well. he is constantly squeaking. can i give him pain releif? i have solpadol tablets, each contain 500mg paracetamol , codeine phosphate hemihydrate 30mg. should i have him euthenized?

ANSWER: No, you should not consider putting him down yet.  He has alot more treatment he could be getting .  

He needs albuterol to help open his airways and steroids for inflammation.  The lungs need checked for fluids and if he has fluids in his lungs he needs lasix.  Also, he should be in the hospital on oxygen and should also have the medications nebulized to get right into his lungs by inhaling the vapors.

He is ont even on strong enough medications for pneumonia.  He should be getting amakacin or gentocin injections.  You need to get him to eat by offering him baby food.  There is enough liquid in baby food to help replenish lost fluids.  The vet is not doing enough.  I think it is a better idea to fire your vet and move on to someone that is going to treat him more aggressive in order for him to recover. Do not give him codeine or anything like that. This will actually cause more trouble breathing.

Please let me know your location and I can try to find another vet for him.  At this point he needs an emergency clinic that will work on exotics.

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

QUESTION: i live in kegworth, derby. u.k . i have tried to find other vets but can't seem to find one willing to give him any mor treatment than he is already having. i think cats and dogs are there limit!

Answer

The frst clinic I have listed is under an hour and your rat would benefit greatly by going here.  It is worth the trip! They have a 24 hour emergency care facility. I would call them ASAP before he gets any worse. This may be the answer you need to save your little guy.

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Dr. Mark Taylor
Feldon Veterinary Centre LTD    
94-96 King Street
Bedworth Warwickshire Cv12 8JF
Phone:    024 76312193
Website:    


The other Vets are far from you, but just in case other readers in the UK need good exotic

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2 hrs. 16 minutes from your
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Dr. William Lewis
The Wylie Veterinary Centre
196 Hall Lane
Upminster Essex
Phone:    01708251200
Website: www.wylievets.com


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1 hr. 50 minutes from your place

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Mr. Stephen Smith
Wendover Heights    
1 Tring Road
Halton Aylesbury Bucks HP22 5PN
Phone:    01296 623439
Website: www.whvc.co.uk

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