Rapid breathing

Question
My daughter's 2-1/2 (or so)year old rat has been breathing very rapidly for the past couple of days. I have also noticed a red discharge coming from her nose but that seems to be gone now.  She seems to tire very easily.  Her eyes appear to be clear and alert.

Thank you,
Brandi's mom

Answer
Hi Lynn'

The red discharge is called porphyrin and it is a secretion from the harderian gland that is located behind the rats eyes.  Normally the gland produces normal amounts of porphyrin to secrete the rats third eyelid but when the rat is stressed it can produce excessive amounts that is seen around the eyes and also the nose. Sometimes if a rat owner sees this for the first time they fear it is blood and they flee right to the vets for help.  Although porphyrin can come in small amounts if it is not normally seen in your rat and it is seen along with other signs of illness, you can be certain the rat is ailing.  Rapid breathing and also lethargy can mean several things. one, heart disease, or respiratory infection. Both can be treated with proper medications, even if it would be her heart. Either way, I would take her to a vet that is qualified in rat care, such as an exotic vet. If you do not have a vet please let me help you find one.  All I need is your zip code or city/state.


hope to hear from you soon

Sandy