Respiratory Treatments

Question
I have only just purchased my new baby girl and she came alone with a respiratory problem the pet shop has offered a refund and won't seek medical advice for her and will use her as snake food... (Over my dead body)... I started using echinacea tea with lemon n vitamin c with a touch of honey (instead of a lactate) i am hoping there is something i can purchase over a counter to help as every vet i have spoken to in my area and surrounding areas are unable to help me....
PLEASE Help me save my BABY.........

Answer
Hi Rachel

The problem with this situation is this: When respiratory infections start, in order to prevent serious complications, the rat should be put          on the proper antibiotics that will kill off the infection. If the infection is allowed to linger or if it is not treated for the proper duration which is usually at least a full 30 days, it will return and with the second attack, that is when damage to the rats delicate lungs occur.  Lesions of the lungs such as blistering and scarring can occur and often this causes the rat to have long term respiratory problems.

There is no over the counter medications to help the rat in this particular case and the only real way to save your rat from a life of chronic respiratory disease is to find a vet in your area that treats rats. You may need to drive out a bit, even sometimes up to an hour just to get to the right vet. In the end, however, it is worth it.

Check out my website on more info about vets that treat rats and follow the link to the AEMV ( Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians) There is a drop down menu that lists all exotic vets in this country and also many other countries as well.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Here is the URL:
http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/therightvetforyourrat.htm