new rats; ?s re: myco

Question
Hi. I just brought 2 female rats into my family. They seem quite healthy with bright eyes, good appetite, and healthy-looking fur, etc. Both do, however, seem to "sneeze" a bit. The sneezing happens most when they are out of their cage, sniffing around their room a lot. I was thinking that it could have to do with sniffing in dust... and my dog does the same bit where he sniffs too much in general and then sneezes . ANYway, my main concern is myco. I spent some time with my girls to night, and I saw one tiny splatter of red on the inside of the cage. I am probably going to take them to the vet to have them examined (I tend to be very persistant about my animals' health care). Just wondering if that one red spot is something to *be all worried* about. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Suzie

Answer
Howdy Suzie,
About 99.32% of all pet rats carry the myco virus. The other .68% are bred in labs, and have had the virus bred out of them. So, unless you bought your kidlettes at a lab, you can usually expect to find some sort of myco reactions sooner or later. Some rats are very susceptible, and others, with hardier immune systems, will hardly show at all.

The type of sniffing and sneeze you're describing is part of the 'curious ratty' nature. Rats will sniff around, and ingest some of the dust and flavors of the area, and sneeze it out, in a manner that cleans their olfactory systems. This allows them to figure out what one part of a room smells like compared to another.

The sneezing with the red sniffles is a hint that the myco that they carry may cause problems later. Since you're an ace ratty mom, you know that when they show signs of this, it's a good idea to take them to a vet. By having them on Baytril, or another wide-spectrum antibiotic for about 10-15 days, you'll ensure that the little signs of myco don't turn into those big issues of pneumonia, or other respiratory issues.

Very often you'll find a healthy rat will also sneeze out red. This is true especially after napping. Just like humans, the ratty will build up dried mucous, and  often wake up having to clear her throat. Since rats have no way to expel this other than sneezing, you'll find more red when they wake up than any other time of day. If the girls are ill, however, you'll find more red splatters, and it will happen throughout the day.

Suzie, you have to be one of the best ratty moms out there. You know what to look for, and you understand the importance of good veterinary care! I'm glad your ratties have you!

Cathe