How can I help my rat with respiratory problems?
Bronchodilators and Mucolytics Bronchodilators dilate the airways within your rat’s lungs, allowing more air to flow through. Mucolytics act to break up the excessive mucous build up that can occur. Both of these types of medications can help rats who are having difficulty breathing to be able to breathe better.
When should I take my rat to the vet?
Rats require at least annual physical examinations and fecal tests to check for parasites. You can discuss neutering your pet rat with your veterinarian. Rats should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year and twice a year as they get older. Rats do not require vaccination.
How do you treat a dehydrated rat?
Dehydrated animals must be treated immediately by supplying a measured volume of water for drinking. 2. Subcutaneous fluids should be administered if the animal is recumbent or more than 5% dehydrated.
Why does my pet rat have breathing problems?
Any problems with your rat’s breathing can be an indication of respiratory distress, which left untreated, can lead to permanent damage of the respiratory tract. The majority of pet rats carry an organism called mycoplasma, which dwells in their respiratory systems.
When to treat respiratory distress in a rat?
Severe labored breathing can also be considered respiratory distress. The rat may or may not have blue extremities. Respiratory distress is extremely unpleasant—one of the most distressing experiences there is—and must be treated immediately.
Are there any health problems with pet rats?
Some of the most commonly observed health problems in pet rats are detailed below. Your pet rats will generally be more active at night than during the day, and you should get used to their behaviour patterns in order to identify out of character behaviour.
What does it look like when a rat has respiratory disease?
This red discharge is called porphyrin, and while it looks like blood, it is not. Increased porphyrin secretion occurs in rats due to stress or illness, which is common in rats with respiratory disease.
Why is my rat having a hard time breathing?
The type and condition of its bedding, an unclean environment, and diseases can all cause respiratory distress in your pet rat. There are also bacteria, viral infections, colds, and other health problems that can cause breathing issues in pet rats.
How can you tell if a rat is in respiratory distress?
A rat can experience respiratory distress without any warning, whether or not she has had previous respiratory symptoms. The signs of respiratory distress are gasping through the mouth, or dashing about in a panic. Severe labored breathing can also be considered respiratory distress.
What causes upper respiratory problems in pet rats?
Bacterial infections – Mycoplasma is a bacteria that almost all pet rats normally have. When a pet rat’s immune system is weakened though, either due to stress or from another disease, these bacteria cause an upper respiratory disease called mycoplasmosis in rats that when left untreated may morph into pneumonia.
Is there a cure for respiratory disease in rats?
Treatment of respiratory disease is often aimed at control rather than a cure. Unfortunately, in rats, when respiratory disease occurs, it is usually present for life.
