My little luvs....

Question
QUESTION: Hi Sandra,

I first wanted to tell you how much I've appreciated the information you provide folks.

I have three baby male ratties with respiratory illness.  We just started them on zithromax, which I understand is very effective, especially for young luvs.  Do you think it is necessary to add doxycycline or maybe a better way to ask the question, how do we assess whether or not the combo of doxy and zithromax is needed versus just using zithro?

Thanks!

Tiffeny Wright

ANSWER: The rule of thumb is three days.   If after three days you do not see improvement using just zithromax, add doxycycline.  If after three days you still see no change, add something else etc..

To be honest, I would skip the doxy and use amoxil and zithromax or cefadrops and zithromax.  Usually with the younger rats its more of a secondary infection rather than full blown mycoplasmosis, as myco is a slow moving organism that doesnt usually manifest till the rats are young adults.  Not to say they CANT have myco as young pups, but its not as likely to be the culprit of a respiratory infection at a young age.

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

QUESTION: Thank you very much!

Our little babies have been experiencing full-blown asthma attacks, which has triggered such panic for them and their parents!  We have been keeping the downstairs humid, which seems to help but it's starting to make the paint in the kitchen bubble up and peal off.  My husband is worried that we might not have a house left if it goes on too long.  Anyways, at this time, we are giving them prednisone to help decrease inflammation.  Is there something else you would recommend in lieu of?  

We will try the zithromax solely for three days and add cefadrops if the problem does not significantly improve.  I feel relieved to hear that mycoplasmosis is unlikely with pups.  

Answer
Yes, try albuterol.  This is perfect for asthma type reactions, such as gasping, wheezing, panic attacks. etc...


The albuterol *ask for liquid ventolin** can be given orally and mixed in soemthing yummy like melted ice cream.  I would for sure ask for the albuterol  along with the zithromax and steroids. Even if the vet denies steroids, I would demand albuterol.  If he is not sure how much albuterol to use for the rats, here is the dose, below:

For oral dosing of the 2 mg/5ml Liquid Ventolin:
0.1 mg/kg, PO, TID (three times per day or every 6 hours)

Use has been 0.1 mL (0.04mg) three times a day for rats weighing 400 gm. to 700 gm.


In smaller rats, only half the dose should be given.

0.02 mgs or even less.