Snuffly rat

Question
Hi. My name is helen, i have 2 little boy rats, about 8 months old. Ive had rats before so can usually recognise the signs of resp problems but my boy isnt wheezing, hes snuffling, like hes bunged up, his fur has also gone all funny. Ive given their cage a good clean, washed their bed and taken some flowers out of my living room as hyacinths smelt and thought he could be allergic. Ive put vitamin c carrot drops in his drink, does this sound like a cold? Also sounds like he is grinding his teeth more than usual? Vet costs 30 at least!

Answer
Hi Helen

Rats do not get colds, but are prone to mycoplasmosis that causes respiratory infection as you are probably already aware of.  Nipping it in the bud is pretty important, esp at the beginning stages.  Taking the "bull by the horns" so to speak is the best way to keep this from becoming chronic and causing life long problems with his lungs.  A vet visit along with the proper medications *usually baytril and amoxil* are the two best drugs to use for at least a full 30 days. Anything used less just results in relapse and with each relapse, the bacteria becomes stronger and can start causing lung scarring and blistering etc...  A good vet is in need so you do not waste time or money. If the vet is not up to par on rat illnesses, he wont treat the rat properly which results in having to keep going back and getting different medications etc....this is what makes this so costly.  If its taken care of from the start, it actually saves on money in the long run and alot of heartache for both you and the little boy rat!

If you need names of good vets please let me know your location and I will be glad to give you some names, no obligation of course.

Read more on myco here on my website:


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