What's wrong with my rat? - Paw Talk

AsiaVicky · #1 07-17-2007, 10:32 PM

i posted a thread a while ago saying that my rat dexter was making weird noises at like 4 in the morning.And you guys said to take him to the vet, and others said that sometimes they just make noises.WELL, they were out of their cage playing and exploring today and someone walked into the room and he was so scared and started making that same noise and ran to hide.

i have a book that says whenever they make noise while breathing its wheezing and that it's a sign of that common lung diease.AND when i was cleaning out the cage earlier i saw little red dots on the wall of their wood nest box.and they both have been sneezing but it's usually when they are playing and they get the litter all over them.

i havent taken him to the vet because i have been out of town for a while and i wont be back home till next week.

i always noticed that his skin is kinda loose when he was laying down..but when he was running around it was normal.

do you think i should go home this weekend and make an appointment as soon as possible?
if they are sick i dont want to wait till the last moment to where they cant do anything and be forced to put them to sleep.

Mousey · #2 07-18-2007, 12:58 AM

vets are the best way to go if you are in doubt. As for the red stuff that's porphrin it's normal for rats to have it but sometimes it can be a symbol that there is a problem with their health. If they are with you and you can't get them to a vet at the moment go to a store that seels vitamins like walgreens,walmart,safeway, etc and get echinacea capsules bust it open and put some not all (just enough to change the color) into their water bottle and shake it will help make their immune system stonger. I wish you the best.

tarita2004 · #3 07-18-2007, 01:10 AM

sounds like vet time to me

rayne-beau · #4 07-18-2007, 03:40 AM

ok this sounds like the same thing that my rats have.
it is called- Mycoplasma pulmonis (myco)
every rodent has it in them but in some it is way worse then others.
they will need to go the vet and get antibiocics.

here is some more info on it.
http://members.aol.com/MMCart3475/Myco.html

i hope that it all turns out ok and that your rattus is ok.

keep us updated.

lilspaz68 · #5 07-18-2007, 07:28 AM

If you come home and take them to the vet, are you going to be able to stay home and give him the meds twice a day? Or will you have to go back to wherever you were?

Sounds like a URI (upper respiratory infection) and it sounds mild...at this time. But rats can go downhill very fast. They are naturally prey animals so they hide their illnesses otherwise they are a walking billboard to a predator "I am ill, eat me".

URI is usually very treatable.

My suggestion is if you are able to stay home with them, go to the vet soon, if not then you might as well wait.

Vanilla_Rat · #6 07-18-2007, 09:13 AM

It does sound like an RI.They will both need some antibiotics.

AsiaVicky · #7 07-18-2007, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mousey


	vets are the best way to go if you are in doubt. As for the red stuff that's porphrin it's normal for rats to have it but sometimes it can be a symbol that there is a problem with their health. If they are with you and you can't get them to a vet at the moment go to a store that seels vitamins like walgreens,walmart,safeway, etc and get echinacea capsules bust it open and put some not all (just enough to change the color) into their water bottle and shake it will help make their immune system stonger. I wish you the best.

do you think that's the best thing i could do for them at the moment..till they see the vet? is there a certain dose i need to give them?.

AsiaVicky · #8 07-18-2007, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilspaz68


	If you come home and take them to the vet, are you going to be able to stay home and give him the meds twice a day? Or will you have to go back to wherever you were? Sounds like a URI (upper respiratory infection) and it sounds mild...at this time. But rats can go downhill very fast. They are naturally prey animals so they hide their illnesses otherwise they are a walking billboard to a predator "I am ill, eat me". URI is usually very treatable. My suggestion is if you are able to stay home with them, go to the vet soon, if not then you might as well wait.

Once i get home im not going anywhere for a long time. so i'll be able to give the medication as much as needed.But i wont be back home till the 28th..i could possibly find a way home sooner but it will most likely be on the 28th.

AsiaVicky · #9 07-18-2007, 07:58 PM

ok,i got the echinacea pills, my bf's mom told me that she has taken it before that it dries your mouth out alot..
should i give them less then half of the capsule?
i was also on this website and it says to get the children's fruit flavored liquid echinacea but i didnt see any..does it matter that i got the capsules instead?

Mousey · #10 07-19-2007, 03:15 AM

I use capsules, usually I put maybe 1/4 of a capsule give or take in a 32 oz bottle. But when they go places I use a half a capsule. I've never heard of any exact amount to put in there as for the liquid I'm not familiar with it. I would think the sugar in it wouldn't be too healthy for the rats but I'm not positive. do remember this is used just to boost their immune system not as an actual medicine. Mine actually drink more water when echinecea is in it. lol. You can give this to them everyday or just use it when they have a cold, or when they are in unfamiliar surroundings with other animals like shows etc. make sure you shake the water bottle very well. If it is a ri you can put them in the bathroom with the hot water running and let them inhale the steam for a little while. It'll help their lungs clear up and make it easier for them to breathe for a bit.

AsiaVicky · #11 07-19-2007, 10:21 PM

i gave them 1/4 of the capsule into a 16oz bottle and i shook it up,really good.Last night dexter was having sort of a sneezing fit..he was trying to sneeze all the stuff out and it scared me and it was hard to watch..it was as if he was trying to gag it out =[.He is looking ALOT better today and he is eating more and is not as lazy as before and his eyes look normal.
When he was sneezing and making those weird noises last night,i've noticed he only does it alot when he cleans himself...i dont know if that has to do with anything but when he cleans himself at night he makes those noises more and for a longer period of time.

i think the vitamins are helping them both,im going to so what you said, sitting in the bathroom and letting the hot steam ease them.

i appreciate everyone's help and suggestions!

thanks.

An1ma1Lov3r · #12 07-19-2007, 10:33 PM

Hope everything works out!