Sniffles Question...

Question
QUESTION: Hi Sandra,

It's me again!  Ok, I read all the info on your webpage.  I believe my big boy has Myco.  He's got some sniffles and his one eye has a small trace of porphyrin discharge. I do not notice or hear any unusual respiratory sounds.

Here's his story...
His name is Schnozee, because of his beautiful blaze, and his best bud, Barney lived in a huge home.  Schnozee is now 1 year 5 months and is slowing down a bit.  Barney is a bit younger by about 4 months.  They have always quarrelled and then slept together - no biggie, you know the boys!! But over the summer the fights became more and more - with shrieks and poor Barney running to hide all the time.  So I finally had to separate them about two weeks ago.  Tried to thoroughly scrub all scent off the cage and reunite them all fresh, but no way - within a few minutes WAR broke out.
I feel Schnozee's sadness.  I really can feel it. I know Barney misses him too. Help!??

I have a vet appointment for Schnozee on Saturday morning Oct. 18th.  My vet is Dr. Monaco in Plainview, NY.   Will he be ok until then??  Should I do an emergency visit?

I really appreciate all your help!

Sincerely,  Heidi

P.S. No political talk, but I'm having the same convo with my Dad, that you and your Dad are having!!!  How funny!!!

ANSWER: Hi Heidi


Neutering will help any aggression issues.  You have a vet with a great reputation, you should see how he feels about neutering for aggression.
This way, they can live together in harmony.  Not often do rats need neutered for aggression but there are some cases that it just needs to be done in order for them to get along. This has alot to do with aggression issues because of poor breeding.

Let me know how it goes!

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

QUESTION: So, Sandra, do you think Schnozee has a case of Myco?  Maybe stress from being separated?  Also, do you think he is too old for neutering?  He's 1 year 6 months.
Thanks.

Answer
Hi


The stress from being separated would be the reason for a myco flare up.
The immune system becomes weak when the rat stresses and this is when myco takes full advantage of the immune system and attacks!
Keep in mind when treating myco that he should have antibiotics that work on the cell of the organism rather than the cell wall since the mycoplasma organism lacks a ccell wall.  Some vets give penicillin or some other odd drug that is worthless on myco. Baytril and doxycycline combo are the drug of choice in this case and for younger rats or pregnant and lactating rats, zithromax is used. Also many vets make the mistake of using the medication for only 10 days, maybe less, which is a huge mistake. This only leaves the door open for relapse and with each attack there is more damage done every time to he lungs. The rat should be on the meds a full 30 days and some exotic vets even go for 6 weeks of treatment.

As for neutering, no he is not too old for neutering at all. As long as the vet is a skilled vet,(which he is IS, btw) all should be fine.

Please let me know how it goes.

Hope this helps.