taking rats to vet

Question
QUESTION: HEY! I AM TAKING MY RATS TO THE VET. I DON'T THINK THEY ARE SICK BUT WANT TO BE SURE OF WHAT THEY ARE DOING THEY HAVE BEEN:
-squeaky breathing sometimes
-sneezes pretty normal but more than my other rat
-she always has a wet nose
-something sounds like hiccups-sometimes when I pick her up she stops

What should I ask the vet?

P.S.-one of my rats has an unusally large butt. This throws her off balance. Is this normal?

ANSWER: Ask your vet exactly what you asked me - if its normal for them to be doing those things. I can tell you that excessive sneezing and a runny nose are not normal - hiccups are, but if you're not seeing a hiccup, he'll be able to identify that for you. Squeaky breathing, if continuous and in their chest, is a sign of congestion. Your vet will be able to take care of all of that.

And I've never seen a rat with an unusually large butt. I have no idea what you're referring to. Clarification is necessary if that was a serious question.

Good luck,

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

QUESTION: Hi! I forgot to include something in the last e-mail! Do you consider it necessary to have a powder coated cage? Also, is there any other way that I can get it powder coated without buying it that way? If so can I have details such as can I do this myself or do I need to take it some place? How much will this cost to get this done or buy a treeatment?- I know I am asking for allot! Just tell me what you know!Thanks!

Answer
Non-powder coated (galvanized) cages tend to absorb the uriney smell after awhile and overall just look shoddy after a few months of wear. I have no idea how you would powder-coat it yourself, though; that one I'm clueless on. Most companies over it as a treatment though on most of their cages, such as Martin's Brand.