My pet rats are sneezing & congested. What can I do before the vet?

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.

Unfortunately your rat will most likely need antibiotics to help him get over his upper respiratory tract infection and you will need a prescription from your vet for this. It is important to treat this type of issue early so the infection does not spread to the lungs and cause pneumonia. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of 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. It sounds like Yuki would benefit from the antibiotics, too. Baytril is a very good, broad spectrum medication. Ask your vet if you can start giving Yuki the medication. The unknown here is whether this is viral or bacterial, or if this is even something more insidious like a fungal infection or even cancer. You might try some steam therapy or nebulization with saline. The next step would be to obtain chest x-rays to evaluate what is actually going on in the lungs. A change in antibiotics is a possibility & I would recommend Doxycycline possibly with the addition of azithromycin, & especially for Dambo, you might need to add theophylline to open up the respiratory passages. Personally, I would try to stay away from steroids for now. Contact your veterinarian to discuss what other options are available for your little pets. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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.

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 Rita. A common respiratory disease in rats is mycoplasmosis, a bacteria-like organism that causes chronic upper and lower respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, sneezing and congestion. Antibiotics can improve condition but might not cure. A veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.