Chronic Lung Disease?

Question
Hi,

I have two male rats that seem happy and healthy. I am considering looking after somebody else's female rats, however , they both have chronic lung disease. My boys and her girls wouldn't be kept together, they would stay in different cages, but I was wondering if Chronic Lung Disease  could be spread from her rats to mine?

Also I'm wondering about bedding as well, can i use that fluffy stuff that is suitable for hamsters etc?

Answer
Hi Amy

If the girls have active infection it depends on what it is caused by before I can say for sure.  Usually though it is from mycoplasmosis and there is damage done to the lungs, from scar tissue to blisters on the surface of the lungs as well.

As long as they are not together in the same cage and of course you exercise good hygiene and wash up really well after handling each group of rats, blowing nose as well to rid the lining of your mucus membranes that may be harboring any airborne organisms.

One thing to is to be sure that your friend types out on the computer a formal letter giving you permission to take her rats to the vets and have them treated by a vet in case that the rats get sick and need medical care by her vet etc....
Have her date it and sign it too.

Hope this helps!