Strange breathing

Question
QUESTION: I have a female rat who is about 9 weeks old and she has been having some strange sounds while breathing every once in a while.  I took her to the vet and they gave me some medication even though the vet claimed there wasn't nothing wrong, I felt more comfortable with the medication.  She's been on the medication for two days now and I still hear the sounds every once in a while (mostly when she's cleaning herself). I'm wondering if I should take her back to the vet or maybe to another vet to get a second opinion.

ANSWER: Was the first vet an exotics specialist?
Usually by day 3 you should see an improvement in the rats illness if the medication is going to work. What medication is she on ?  Hopefully NOT baytril since it should not be used on rats under 4 months old. Zithromax and doxycycline would be the drug of choice in a respiratory tract infection at her age.


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

QUESTION: The vet was not an exotics specialist, however, she did give me medication with doxycycline monohydrate. Do you know if this medication also works?

ANSWER: She needs something stronger as I said, such as zithromax. Doxycycline alone is not strong enough to fight mycoplasmosis which is more than likely the culprit.

How do you think she feels otherwise?  Is she eating and playing and showing interest in everything she normally does every day?

You also need someone that is well versed in rat care esp.when it comes to baby rats this young.  If you would like me to search for one in your area let me know and I would be happy to help.



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

QUESTION: She is still active, playful, and eating well, it's just the breathing. I would really appreciate help with finding a vet suitable for my rattie. I live in Pueblo Colorado but I go to school in Boulder Colorado. Thanks so much for your help, I hope I've caught this in time.

Answer
If you can get in to see the vets at the clinic below that would be awesome.

I do think you caught it in time because she isnt acting sick and continues to eat and act playful etc...
when they stop eating, become lethargic and have porphyrin discharge from the eyes and nose (it appears to be blood and scares novice rat owners) but its really from the gland behind the eye called the harderian gland. WHen the rat is stressed due to illness etc... they produce excessive porphyrin and it cakes around the nose and eyes.

Keep me posted ok. I am sure she will be just fine!
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Arapahoe Animal Hospital     
5585 Arapahoe Ave
Boulder CO 80303
303-442-7033
www.arapahoeanimalhospital.com