My new rat is sneezing, sounds squeaky, and has red discharge. Is it serious?

She is suffering from a respiratory infection caused by a bacteria called mycoplasma, it's very common in rats. you need to take her to the vet urgently in order to get antibiotic treatment, i usually use Zithromax at this age.

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.

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.

He is likely suffering from mycopasma bacterial infection which is very common in rats, you will need to take him to your vet to get an antibiotic prescription, at this young age i usually like to use Zithromax antibiotic.

'chromodacryorrhea is the term for the red tearing that is commonly seen in rats. This is not blood per se, but a secretion of porphyrin from the gland. This happens commonly when your rat is very ill or stressed and is indicative of a serious condition. If he is sneezing and showing this, it is time for a trip to the vet. Your rat may have a treatable respiratory illness or something more serious like a tumor. I would urge you to take him in as soon as possible. Hope this helps.

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.

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.