Update on the Rat Bite Fever

Question
Sugar is being given the 21 day course of amoxil that you suggested to clear her up.  My local vet has been giving her injections for the past four days.  I received this message from Dr. Hanely, the vet that took the culture of Sugars throat and was wondering what you think of the regime they suggest.  The shots seem to be quite unpleasant for Sugar. Also, what are the odds that after she has all 21 shots that she will still be a risk for my children?  Thanks for all of your help.  The following is the email I received from the vet.

Mrs. Armstrong,
I haven?t forgotten about your family!  I?ve been trying to find useful information for you to decrease chances of further infection with the organisms that cause Rat Bite Fever.  Unfortunately, the only proven way to decrease the risk is to get rid of the carrier rat.  Sugar?s culture is still pending and there has not been isolation of the Streptobaccilus or Spirillum as of 3/31/09.  I will continue to keep you posted on the culture.  A negative culture does not rule out that Sugar is a carrier of these organisms, however.  There is no research that proves treating with an antibiotic will clear the organism from their saliva.  The organism is susceptible to multiple antibiotics, a few of which can be safe for rats.  One option we have is to treat Sugar with a course of Tetracycline liquid, an antibiotic effective against the causative organisms of Rat Bite Fever.  The problem is that there is no guarantee that this will rid Sugar of the organisms long term or protect your !
children in the future.
If you opt to acquire a second rat, research shows that laboratory bred rats have a lower incidence of these organisms.  If you acquire another rat that is not a carrier, however, contact with Sugar may lead to infection of the second rat.  So this again causes confusion for your family.
The safest alternative I can give you for your children is to get rid of Sugar.  I know this would be heartbreaking for you.  The second best alternative would be to cease handling, and avoiding contact with Sugar.  If you opt to treat with the Tetracyline, I would be happy to prescribe this drug though a human pharmacy so you wouldn?t have to travel.  The risk involved is that you are then handling Sugar for administration, hence increasing the risk of transmission of Rat Bite fever.
I?m so sorry that I haven?t been able to uncover a better option for your family.  Even my research through the online veterinary forum has not come up with a better option.  Again, you could consider seeking the advice of the small mammal specialists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine ? www.vet.upenn.edu/ryan or .  I have left a message for the exotic specialist and am waiting for a return phone call.  I will let you know if I get any new information.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.  I know you are in a difficult situation and I wish you luck as you sort through this difficult decision!
Sincerely.

Bridget Hanley VMD
(610) 489-8982  

Answer
The vet doesnt have to give amoxil via injection.  IT can be given orally.  You can even use capsules such as a 5oo mg capsule opened up  with 25 ccs of water added to it and dose her .30mls.  If she weighs closer  to 700 grams, she will need .60 ccs.   Also, they tetracycline s can also kill the bacteria and you can use BOTH drugs together.  I would contact the small mammal specialists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine


You need more info like if your son is immune now to it? I heard they can be.  I contacted a pathologist over the weekend for you and she is waiting to hear back from someone in regards to this as well.

As for getting rid of Sugar........how long have you had her?
I dont know how sympathetic the vet is being about this. You dont want to get rid of her....its not really an option.  What about the entire family taking antibiotics as a prophylatic measure?  This needs to be addresed by an M.D though, not me....I am only grasping at straws though.  It makes sense though.  Write to me on my private email so I can give you my phone number.  
my email is sandyscrittercity@yahoo.com