My rat has a respiratory issue. How to prevent spread to my other rat?

If your hamster is older and has never been ill, he is less likely to have a contagious respiratory illness. If the hamsters have all been near each other for a long time, this also decreases the chance they could spread illness. If you have recently gotten new hamsters, they are more likely to transfer something...it could be spread through the air or from you touching one cage then another. Wash your hands between handling and handle the sick hamster last. He should go to the vet to get checked out and see what might be going on with him.

Poor Dambo! Rats are noterious for having bacteria in their lungs that can affect them all their lives. Some rats will have more issues than others. Antibiotics help but often they cannot clear the whole infection. Any time she starts to have problems, she should see the veterinarian. Baytril and Doxycycline are commonly used for these infections. Practicing good husbandry can also help. You definitely want to use a dust free bedding such as Carefresh or Aspen pellets. Use a cage with bars and not a glass aquarium the holds all the air debris in. Run an air filter near the cage and keep the cage away from air vents and windows (as this will blow more dust). Feed lots of dark leafy greens and blueberries as well as a balanced rat food. The idea is to try to maintain a healthy immune system. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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.

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.

I hate to hear that Jerry is sick. I’m not sure what this syrup is that you are giving her but rats who have respiratory symptoms typically respond well to doxycycline. It is important to have a veterinarian who is comfortable treating pocket pets such as rats. I recommend to call your veterinarian and discuss your concerns. That is the best way to get appropriate treatment. You may also look online for veterinarians who treat small animals. I hope she starts feeling better quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thanks for reaching out about Vegas. The only was that laboratory facilities prevent the spread of mycoplasma to offspring, is via ceasarian section and hand rearing babies in a clean room, not practical. So low stress, good nutrition, but babies will be exposed. Be careful using the antibiotics as some will cross the placenta into fetuses or through mammary glands. Good luck.

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.