Re: Rat respiratory cont.

Question
Hi again,

Thankyou for your help ... I couldn't do a follow up question so will paste your last reply at the end of this message as I'm sure you can't remember every mail you write!

I had heard that about the steroid injections, what would you class as long term? I know I am quite limited in medicating with the myco and lung scarring, so wonder how long it is ok to continue with the steroid jabs. Obviously is Skye needs it we'll start her on the synulox antibiotic too. What do you think about an anti-inflammatory? Would that help in a similar way to the steroid? If so are there many available for rats? And can they be something I could use long term?

Sorry for all the questions, I am trying to do so much research so I can do everything I can for my rats. And yes, my vet is an exotic vet but I think she's learnt a lot about rats since I've kept them! - she also has to look a lot of things up. I think generally rat lovers seem to educate themselves and then ask their vets for meds!

Here is your previous reply:
ALso, about the respiratory problems. She probably has some scarring in her lungs if she has had chronic lung problems. The steroids  give her alot of relief.  I would suggest trying the other medication along with the steroids, see how that works out.

Problem is, long term steroid use can present some problems such as weakening the immune system and leaving the rat open to secondary infection, but the benefits outweigh the risks and without them,
you rat may have died by now.

Is your vet an exotic vet?

Answer
Long term steroids would be 6 months or longer. As for long term antibiotics, once the medication that clears up the respiratory infection is determined, long term use can be high end dosing once daily.

The use of antibiotics along with steroids keep infection at bay.
NSAIDS are ok short term, but long term, no. They can cause serious damage to the GI tract. NSAIDS can cause bleeding in the stomach too.