Breathing Diffculty

Question
QUESTION: My rat Deacon was having a little trouble breathing this morning when I got up for work.  He was a little slower than usual and just generally seemed more tired.  Is this a problem like myco?  I've had him for 14 months so far, so I know he is getting old.  He has never had any problems, just generally very healthy, active, and great.  Should I be looking into calling a vet to get this checked out or is it probably just a random occurrence?

ANSWER: Hi James

Deacon isn't really that old, but this is about the time mycoplasmosis bacteria starts to surface and cause respiratory infections. I would not chance it and I would call a vet right away for an exam. If it gets ahead of him, it may turn into pneumonia, which is usually bad news. Myco has a tendency to relapse after the first attack so a vet that is educated in rat ailments is vital. Myco needs an antibiotic that works on bacteria that has no cell wall since myco does not have a cell wall. Baytril and doxycycline are usually warranted for a period of no less than 21 days in order to prevent relapse. A second attack can cause scarring of the lungs and the condition can become chronic. I have, unfortunately, extensive training in treating respiratory infections from myco and other organisms due to the fact this is one of the main ailments aside from kidney and heart disease that can plaque our beloved rats.
If you need help finding a vet that is an exotic vet that is also well versed in rat care, I can help locate one. All I need is your zip code.
Also, alot of people have concerns an exotic vet charges two to three times more than a traditional vet which is not true. Most exotic vets are competitive with traditional vets and sometimes they are even less expensive for a visit. Keep in mind regardless of the specialty, the first visit is usually a bit higher until your an established patient.
I know you did not ask that part but so many people ask me this or worry about it and may be reading along with this post so I figure I would beat some folks to the punch line. :)

In the mean time, I would make sure Deacon is well hydrated and that he is eating ok and if he isn't, offer him some baby food (any kind of strained baby food is fine, whatever he wants, do it:) even juice from watermelon or mashed watermelon is a good way to keep him hydrated. I also suggest for a rat that isn't eating or drinking well due to illness to offer infant soy formula or pedialyte to help keep him hydrated until he feels better. Avoid peanut butter as this can clog the throat and block the airway. Its not a good situation when this happens and can be fatal. Alot of folks have learned the hard way and I would hate to see this happen to anyone else so I thought I would throw that in. Some people want to "up" the protein during illness and start with peanut butter.  If anything, a nice scrambled egg would do just fine.

Hope this helps and good luck! Hope Deacon gets to perking up soon.

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QUESTION: My zip code is 15217.  If you knew of any good vets around here, I would really appreciate that.  Thanks a lot for the help.

ANSWER:  

Hi James

This clinic has a fantastic reputation!! Your lucky they are in your neighborhood!!
They also have 24 hour care which is fantastic because if for whatever reason your rat needs to spend the night, say for example, for oxygen distribution or post surgical,having them spend the night and get professional care is much better than trying to do it at home and worrying all night etc...
Please let me know how it goes if you happen to bring him in. It would be a good idea just to be on the safe side to have him looked at before it gets out of hand. Rats decline super fast health wise and hide their illness well until they are really sick. They are so tough and stubborn it isn't funny!!

Good luck!

Here is the info below. Check out their website too!

Sandra

**********

Dr. Denise Pleban
Northview Animal Hospital    
223 Siebert Road
Pittsburgh PA 15237
Phone:    412-364-5353
Website: www.northviewanimalhospital.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks again for your help.  I'll be contacting the Vet in the morning since I couldn't get out of work today.  I'm glad that it has a great reputation!  Deacon still seemed overly tired when I got home from work today, but he didn't have any problem with breathing.  I think I may have assumed that was the issue before just from what I've known about rats.  He seemed to have much less control over peeing though outside of the cage which he never has before.  I fed him a little fruit and water and sat with him for awhile.  He just kept falling asleep.  I wanted to make sure he kept hydrated because he would pee a lot when he let go which isn't like him at all.  I also sat him in a room with the shower on to help ease any pain he may have had from breathing.  Hopefully the Vet can help with this tomorrow before it gets any worse.  Do you think that this is a problem with the kidneys (like an infection) due to the peeing problem?  I'm just hoping this can get cured, but I wanted to ask even before I hear it from the Vets.  Thanks for your answers.  You've been extremely helpful.

Answer
Its possible he has a urinary tract infection....but I dont think its kidneys.  Usually with kidney disease they lose alot of weight for no reason, tend to urinate alot and drink tons etc...has he seemed to drop weight out of the blue recently?

Anyhow, I am sure the vet could shed more light on everything. Please keep me posted ok?  Thanks for writing and caring about your rattie!