Rat health problem

My male rat isn't doing too well. I just noticed that it's making really loud breathing noises, sounds almost like squeaking. He's also opening his mouth to breath some of the time.

What should I do? The female rat is sneezing every once and awhile, but nothing like the male

Get him to the vet first thing in the morning - actually, get them both to the vet. Sounds like it might by myco - get him on some antibiotics, ASAP!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rabernet

Get him to the vet first thing in the morning - actually, get them both to the vet. Sounds like it might by myco - get him on some antibiotics, ASAP!

---

Agree 100% you cannot delay as rats don't last long when they get R.I.'s.

Can't really do that i'm afraid, I have a trip tomorrow early morning. I'll be back Tuesday night. Is there a chance that it clears up on it's own like a cold or something?

I just checked again and it's not as an obvious of a noise as it was earlier, still some sneezing/coughing noises though.

Also, how much does treatment like that from a vet cost?

If you can get some Tylan(tylosin) from a feed store or Tractor Supply and put it in the water, that will help. They do need oral Baytril though and for about 14 days.

To help the male, who probably won't make it if he is open-mouth breathing, put him in the bathroom, close the door and turn on the hot water(shower) full blast. Make it very steamy in the room and leave him there for 30 minutes or so.