does my rat have a cold?? - Paw Talk

laydeerodentzz · #1 01-23-2008, 11:17 AM

I think my rat pepper has a cold. I got home the yesterday and it looked like his eye was bleeding, but I read in a book that it is not blood, it just means that he probably has a cold?? If I see anymore do you think I should separate rayray from him so he dosn't catch anything? I will take him to the vets for an antibiotics- well either that or just a check up- anyone know anything? I've only had them for about a week and a half.. but I get sooo attatched to my animals, I couldent bare anything happening!

Vanilla_Rat · #2 01-23-2008, 11:26 AM

The "blood" is porphyrin,a red discharge that rats produce when they are sick or stressed.

Is your rat sneezing? How is his breathing?

It could be the start of a respitory infection and RI's are contagious,so your other rat will most likely catch it.They will need antibiotics from the vet.

laydeerodentzz · #3 01-23-2008, 11:30 AM

Thanks I will see what I can do, I'm not sure about the sneezing- I mean they do, do it, but pepper has been sneezing since like a few days after I got him?? I will check his breathing tho.. Do I just put him up to my ear?

Vanilla_Rat · #4 01-23-2008, 11:31 AM

Some sneezing in rats is normal...but if it becomes excessive,it could mean a problem.

Listen to their breathing and if it sounds labored or anything,then you will probably need a vet visit.

MimsicePaw · #5 01-27-2008, 03:43 AM

I Suggest that you should let it sleep.

SugarLovesRats · #6 02-08-2008, 02:11 AM

Some porphyrin (the red tears) is normal especially when they just woke up. It's when it's excessive that it's a problem. Also rats don't get colds, they get URI's and if he is ill he will need to see a vet. Good Luck I hope he's not sick.

VetTek · #7 02-09-2008, 12:29 AM

Some signs to look for that mean your rat is sick -- the fur may be standing up a little bit and looking scruffy, the rat is in a hunched position most of the time, the eyes are not as fully open as normal (kind of half-open), not eating/drinking as much, not peeing/pooping as much, not moving around as much, breathing seems to be "hard" (takes more effort) and could be faster. My rat, Sienna, who just died did not do much sneezing or have the bloody tears, but she did have the other signs. Unfortunately, she was a feeder rat and grouped together with a bunch of other feeder rats who were all very sick. Just wanted to share some symptoms with you to look for, to tell you if your rat is sick.

Debbie

pinkie1205 · #8 02-09-2008, 10:28 PM

How is the rat? I'm going through a round of antibiotics with my rats right now.

How long ago did you get the rat? Sometimes when you bring rats home for the first time they sneeze because of their surroundings. They get used to it and they'll stop. If it's been more then a few days then the rat should see a vet. Also a lot of petstore rats come home with URIs and you really don't realize until they're settled in at home.

Just to let you know that most vet visits (especially for URIs) aren't that expensive so don't hesitate to call around and make an appointment. It cost me $45 for my last visit which was for 2 rats and a round of medicine for them all. I do have to get more meds but the medicine itself was only $5.