Noel is not feeling well

Aww, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for her Robin.

I'm not sure how a rat's throat works Robin but having given oral meds to squirming pets and kids over the years I do know that one good trick is to angle the syringe to the right or left and short of shoot it at their cheek so it trickles down the throat rather than going directly at it.

poor noel! i really hope this works and she starts feeling better. can you mix the meds with something tasty to help administer it? i think i remember reading somewhere that mixing it with some tapioca pudding works well a lot of the time...

*EDIT: ah ha! http://ratguide.com/meds/basics/giving_medications.php
not sure where i came up with tapioca pudding but there are some good recommendations on that page. :)

Awww....sure hope that Noel gets better soon!

Bless her heart, she's the sweetest thing in the world, but I am concerned about that head tilt she's got going on now(although Diamond does the same with an ear infection). She doesn't exactly walk straight, but there seemed to be less couging this morning before I gave her, her morning meds. She's getting lots of extra snuggles for sure (after all the others have been handled first, of course). I noticed the head tilting Wednesday night (she saw Dr. C on Tuesday).

could the walking like she is drunk be attributed to an ear infection? i know for people at least that can throw off your equilibrium...

OK, I googled and found this information. Oh Becky - should her Doxy and Baytril help the head tilting if it's an ear infection?

Quote:

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What is head tilt?

Head tilt is also known as "Wry Neck Syndrome" and is really one symptom for several possible diseases.





Other symptoms may include:

• Leaning to one side
• Walking in circles (and difficulty walking a straight line)
• Difficulty maintaining balance, and rolling to one side

Possible diseases include a bacterial infection of the ear/inner ear, pituitary tumor, and stroke. The most common is an ear infection. Infections can be controlled with antibiotics, and corticosteroids are often used to reduce inflammation and swelling, to control symptoms. If you suspect that your rat has a head tilt, see your veterinarian as prompt treatment is crucial for a complete recovery. However, keep in mind that some red or pink eyed rats sometimes "sway" due to their poor eyesight. It's not head tilt, it is nearsightedness.

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Just an update - we still have 2 weeks and 3 days to go of antibiotics - I hope Noel, Holly and I survive it! :rolleyes:


This evening, no more coughing from Ms. Noel - but a few sneezes and a wee bit of congestion that I can hear. All sneezing is gone from Ms. Holly.

Bless their little hearts, despite having yucky medicine squirted into their mouths twice a day, they still come up and greet me and ask to be held.

Noel still has a little bit of a head tilt, but it is improving.

I've read about mixing the medicine with baby food, but they are picky eaters, so I'd rather have a little struggle with both of them, and be assured they are getting the correct dosage each time. Between the graham crackers and Yogi's that they get after each dose, they quickly forgive me! ;)

aw, SO glad to hear they are finally showing improvement. they sound like such sweethearts! :aww:

interesting that they are picky eaters--you wouldn't think a rat would be! mine will pick stuff out of the mix that they like best, but if i wait on giving them more they usually eat it all. :P

Glad to hear they are improving Robin and Emily that was a great link! Thanks for posting it, I've saved that one to my Rodent file in my favorites list.