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Is my rat's nosebleed, squeak, and hiccup a respiratory issue?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Male | unneutered | 0.5 lbs

Hi I have a young rat and I have a few things I’d like to find out. 1: when I first got him I took him to the vet for a wellness check up and the vet cleared him as healthy, but when I took him home that day he had a nose bleed and he makes a small squeak noise accompanied by a hiccup motion occasionally mostly after waking up. I have looked and I think it may be a respiratory problem? I’m not sure, he is active and eating and very happy he doesn’t seem ill at all but I’m worried sick. Thank you

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on December 17th, 2017

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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