Sneezing Baby Rat

Question
Dear Sandra,
I recently obtained two orphaned baby rats. Their mother died (cause unknown to her owner) and they were not completely weaned. She started them on regular food and they took quite well. They all seemed to be fine, if a bit on the small side and, since I had a vacant cage, I took 2 in for her. One of the babies (Wolfgang) has started having sneezing spells. This only seems to happen if he is nervous (around new people) or excited (treats). These spells last around 30 seconds perhaps and are not accompanied by any discharge (porphyrin or otherwise). His breathing seems clear, and he doesn't grunt, snuffle, or wheeze apart from during these brief spells. They occur several times per day, especially when he first wakes or is excited. He is bright-eyed, curious, maintaining weight, and drinking water. They are housed in a cage with wire sides and a solid bottom, with Carefresh bedding. His brother shows no symptoms at all. I've had rats contract respiratory illnesses before and usually they also exhibit lethargy, correct? I do know that they were housed on cedar bedding before I came into their lives, and I immediately told their owner to change it, as it could be harmful. Is this a residual effects of improper bedding or is Wolfie really ill? What course of action should I take? Thank you so much!

Answer
Hi Kate

I do believe Wolfie is just fine and is simply doing what nature provided our nasal passages the ability to do and that is SNEEZE! You notice that he sneezes when he is excited or stressed and emotions can change the way the histamine levels rise and fall, even for a minute or two. Once he calms down, histamine levels drop, sneezing subsides. Also though I do believe that he is sneezing also because of mild respiratory tract irritation from residual effects from the phenol oils in the cedar bedding. Oh how if I had one wish it would be for pet stores to remove both pine and cedar bedding from their shelves and stop pushing to sell it to novice pocket pet owners!  It is proven over and over how bad it is for our little fuzzlets and not only because of damage to delicate lung tissues but to liver function that doesn't usually become a menace until the rat ages or has surgery. When the liver doesn't work properly, surgery can be a real risk since the liver cannot filter out the anesthesia properly. Studies have linked this to liver damage from phenol oils found in these beddings yet they STILL sell them. Its frustrating! Kudos to you for telling the old owner to change the bedding. I certainly hope it wasn't a breeder that sold you these babies or she should have known better!  
As for what action you should take? At this time...nothing. Provide a clean cage and proper bedding and of course a diet low in protein (15 percent quality animal protein is ideal) and low fat diet, fresh water, lots of love and attention and your good to go. I believe you already have all of the above taken care of as per your message to me :)
However, as you know, if you notice lack of appetite, excessive porphryin discharge (a little around the nose is even normal when your dealing with a "sneezer") lethargy, loss of interest in things he normally enjoys such as playtime out of the cage, treats, etc...and of course his bathroom habits are important too such as loose stools or lack of them should be noted in young rats too.

Hope this helps ease your mind but as I always say, if in doubt,seek treatment from a vet qualified in rat care.

Thanks for writing!

Sandra