My Sick Little Pip

Question
QUESTION: My little ratty Pip is on Doxycycline for an infection. The problem is that we are giving it to him in his water (100mg/4ml water fresh per day) and I know it has to taste awful. He isn't finishing his complete dose and I'm worried that his infection will become worse if he doesn't start to "drink up". He is eating, drinking and bathrooming normally and is still a little sweety. Do you have any suggestions as to what the Doxy might be able to be mixed with to make it more palitable for my ratty guy? Capsules are the only way I can get it as we can't find a really good "pocket pet" vet in the area of Ohio in which we live. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated! Thank you!

ANSWER: Hi Danielle

Doxycycline is too weak to work on infection by itself and is usually given with baytril.  Giving it in the water as you are finding is the worst thing to do. The rat will not get the needed amount to even start to fight infection and this will only get worse. Putting it in the water only will dehydrate your rat unless you offer Pip two bottles, one with the clean water, and of course he wont touch the other stuff which is why most good vets will not give it this way.

He needs stronger medication such as baytril and possibly another antibiotic such as amoxil or cefa in case there is a secondary infection and also in order to avoid getting worse and developing scarred or blistered lungs.

I have access to a list of 13 exotic vets scattered throughout Ohio, from Cleveland to Cincy (I am originally from Youngstown:) that are certified exotic vets and can help get sweet little Pip on the right track.  

Even if you have to drive 30 minutes it is worth it to avoid further problems.  Since rats are prone to mycoplasmosis bacteria, if its not treated using the proper medication (antibiotics that are made to fight an organism without a cell wall) the rat will continue to relapse and end up with chronic lung disease or else a secondary infection such as pneumonia.

Hang tight and keep getting pip to drink fluids and if you let me know your zip code I can find a good vet to get him on the right track before you know it! We dont want it to get too much ahead of him or it will be hard to get him healthy again.

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QUESTION: Thank you so much for getting back to me so fast! If you could give me the name(s) of some good vets it would be much appreciated! My zip is 44240 ( between Cleveland and Akron). I have no problem driving (other than Pip hates car rides!) even an hour or more to get my little guy healthy again! My husband and I have had rats for pets for some years now (we have 2 currently - not in the same cage) but this is our first "major" illness. We love our boys and want them to have good vet care available when the need arises! Thanks again for your help!:)

Answer
Here is a facility that is the BEST of the best for your rats PLUS they have access to a 24 hour emergency facility as well. They are exactly the kind of vet your rats will ever need. I hope they are close. I did a driving dirctions via yahoo and from your zip to their zip it is 34 minutes but I dont know what door to door would be.
You are close to where I grew up and lived for 33 years before moving to nice and warm Charlotte NC!  If I still lived up north, I would use this clinic myself!
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Dr. Gary Riggs
Barberton Veterinary Clinic/North Coast Bird & Exotic Specialty    Exotic Pets Seen:
4873 Richland Ave
Norton OH 44203
Phone:    330-825-2434
Website: www.exoticpetvets.com

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Let me know if you get little Pip in. I know he will do much better once he is on the right meds etc.  Good luck!!