Mercedes

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
The wheezing actually started yesterday. I have asthma, and I have an inhaler (Albuterol 17g). Could that be used? =/
1. Looses balances- still present
2. Hardly eat's- still present
3. Hardly drinks water- still present
4. Bloody discharge (not blood) from nose and eyes- still present
5. Seems to loose weight- present
6. Head tilt- present (actually noticed by vet tech)
7. Itches at ears, and grooms herself every now and then

She was given an anti-inflammatory injection yesterday. They did not give a name of the injection. Also, she is defecating... urinating not as much. When she had this "attack" it sounded as if she were gagging or trying to throw up. Her coat is still looking fine, although some of her fur is puffed up... her eyes aren't very well- she looks as if she is very tired.

We can't afford a hospital stay- it is extremely expensive. Are there any other options? The vet tech said that she would have responded to the antibiotics already and the injection may or may not help her.

ANSWER:
Rule of thumb is if she is not responding to antibiotics after 3 days its time to change, but not just give up and say they arent working. Not that you said it, but just a general statement.

Anyhow, its time to change antibiotics. I would have her get a gentocin injection and put her on cefa drops after that. She should be put on albuterol daily as well, it can be used orally.   You can use it on her (the inhaler) by giving her a quick puff of it. Some people put their rat in a bag for a  second and puff the inhaler into the bag and the rat gets it that way.

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

QUESTION: Hi Sandra,

Okay, can the cefa drops be bought at a pet store?

Answer
No, only the vet carries them.  How are things now? My computer crashed yesterday, hubby says it is the power source? Dont ask me, I am clueless, but he said he can fix it so....we shall see. I am using my sons computer to keep up with allexperts at least.