My rat makes hooting or bubbling noises. Is it respiratory illness?

It does sound as if you ratbhas a respiratory tract infection. The best course of treatment is to have Blizzard examined by your veterinarian so an appropriate antibiotic can be started if needed. I would also recommend separating Blizzard from the other rats as well in case the infection is contagious. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign might be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a 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. Hope this answer was helpful, but 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Thanks for reaching out about Bob. The most common cause of respiratory problems in rats are mycoplasma. Response to oral antibiotics is fairly good, but often difficult to totally clear with potential relapses. But treatments often improve quality of life. You would have to contact the local veterinarian for experience. Good luck.

It sounds from your description like he might have an upper respiratory infection or possibly even pneumonia. I would encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. In the meantime clean the cage so the ammonia from the urine doesn’t irritate the respiratory tract. When older rats get respiratory disease it can be life threatening. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hello, and thank you for your question. It sounds like Bueller may have an upper respiratory tract infection, which is very common in rats. I would recommend taking him to the vet within the next 24 hours, especially since he is so lethargic. They can prescribe appropriate antibiotic medication, and offer other supportive medications if necessary. In the meantime, you can try using a humidifier to help ease his congestion. I would also ensure you are not using pine or cedar based bedding as the fumes from this type of bedding can worsen respiratory issues. Carefresh is a reliable alternative. I hope this helps, and that Bueller is feeling better soon.

Rodney is probably suffering from a respiratory infection, many rats are infected with a bacteria called mycoplasma that is causing this condition. you will need to take him to the vet in order to get it treated, a course of special antibiotic will be prescribed for 3 weeks.

Hi, and thanks for your question. Often this presentation is compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly 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. Hope this answer was helpful, but 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!