Pneumonia or what?

Question
Back a few months ago, I got my first rat. He's very active and always has been. very well behaved and just an all around good boy. But over the past few weeks, hes still been as active as ever, but I've been listening to his chest and he sounds terrible. A lot of congestion and sneezing and wheezing, but he behaves like nothing is wrong. My parents aren't willing to take him to a vet, is there anything i can do for him here as home remedies? And what do you think could be wrong with him?

Answer
It sounds like he has a mycoplasma infection, which are very common among pet rats.  It can be caused by pine or cedar bedding, an unclean cage, or anything in the air that may be irritating to his lungs such as cigarette smoke, scented candles, incense, or other odors.  If any of these are present in the room where your rat's cage is, remove them immediately so he does not get worse.

Unfortunately without antibiotics the infection will never completely go away.  The exam, depending on your vet, usually costs around $30 and the medication anywhere from $8 to $25.  Perhaps you can save up some money on your own, or offer to do some odd jobs for your parents or neighbors and raise the money yourself.

There are a few things you can do at home to help ease his symptoms, but without treating the underlying cause they will simply return.  Put his cage in the bathroom while you shower; the steam can help him breathe better.  Giving very small doses of chocolate can also help with respiratory problems, try giving him one chocolate chip per day and see if it helps things.

Most rats with respiratory problems continue to behave normally until the infection gets severe.  It also weakens their immune system so any other diseases or bacteria they may pick up can seriously harm them as they will not be able to fight it off.  Avoid contact with other rats, and if you go to a pet store wash your hands before handling him to avoid passing on any germs.

I don't know much about holistic medicine, but there is a Yahoo group out there that may be able to provide you with some more information.  Here is their URL: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/holistarat/

Good luck with your rat!