My new rat from Petco is sneezing a lot. Should I be concerned?

Thanks for reaching out about Gerat. The most likely cause is mycoplasma, which is a bacteria problem. Antibiotics can often improve clinical signs, but often is not curable, so this could be an on-again/off-again problem. A veterinary visit is required to prescribe to appropriate antibiotics. The website for the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV.org) might help you find a vet. Stress is often associated so review diet and husbandry and correct problems. Good luck.

This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or eventually to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Sneezing can be a sign of a respiratory infection. A handful of different components can lead to respiratory infections in mice, whether viruses or bacteria. Mycoplasmal infections, for example, often occur in mice. When mice have respiratory infections, they often display cold-like clues, including problems breathing normally and runny noses. If your mouse is breathing in a manner that seems inordinately loud, a respiratory infection could be responsible. Other typical symptoms of respiratory infections in mice are weight loss, reduced desire to eat, exhaustion, barely moving around and messy looking fur. The bedding in Popcorn's enclosure could be the reason for her persistent sneezing as well. Ask your veterinarian for types of bedding that are less dusty and cause less irritation to the nostrils. If the sneezing is the result of any illness, your veterinarian can provide treatment options. Remember, mice, like other pets, require regular vet checkups regardless of the presence of signs of illness. Take your mice to the vet a minimum of once annually. If she sneezes or seems sick, go to the vet immediately, even if she just had her yearly appointment. I hope this is helpful!

It sounds like Kenny is suffering from an respiratory infection, most rats suffer from this condition at some point in their lives, it needs to be treated with a special antibiotic, you will need to take him to the vet ASAP in order to get it treated.

Keep them warm and as stress free as possible. Stress can complicate any illness in rats. Use a dust free substrate. Some sneezing is normal and you may see a red tinge (porphyrin staining) which is also normal in small amounts. A URI will likely require antibiotics. Do not give any other medications to your rats without the advice of your veterinarian. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite or increased discharge from the eyes nose or mouth. If you see any of these symptoms, have them examined at the nearest veterinary ER. As long as they are behaving and eating normally, you can likely wait until Monday.

I'm sorry to hear little Sox is sneezing. I'm not positive of the process but I believe you would first need to call Petco and speak with the manager. They may have a veterinarian on staff who sees all their pets. Otherwise ask what the process is and how you would be reimbursed. Call them asap! Best of luck!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is a good sign that Oliver’s red discharge has stopped. This is a substance known as porphyrin, which rats make normally in a small gland behind their eye. It is normally groomed off, but you may notice it if your rat is grooming less than usual because he doesn’t feel well. The fact that the discharge is now gone, is likely because Oliver has started grooming. Unfortunately, rats can have many bacterial infections that can cause them to sneeze and may take some time to treat. I recommend continuing the antibiotics for as long as directed by your vet, even if the symptoms decrease.