How do you treat respiratory disease in rats?

Most rats will first be treated with oral antibiotics and then changed to a combination of oral and injectable medications as the disease progresses. ‘Pulse-therapy’ (periods on medication followed by periods off the medication) is often used to provide long-term relief from symptoms.

What causes respiratory problems in rats?

Respiratory disease is a very common problem in rats with several different causes and contributing factors. Nutritional status, environment and exposure to certain viruses and bacteria (some even before they are born) all contribute to the disease severity and progression.

What causes upper respiratory disease in a rat?

Upper respiratory disease is a common health issue in rats that can result in acute or chronic, infectious or non-infectious, subclinical or overt signs of illness and may be attributed to a variety of environmental factors, as well as infection by bacterial, viral, or fungal agents.

Why does my rat sneeze and cough so much?

Upper Respiratory Disease. A rat that sneezes a lot, has more tears than normal or has crusty eyes, or has a audible wheeze or crackle, is showing signs of a respiratory infection. Respiratory infections in rats are often caused by viruses.

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.

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.

Upper respiratory disease is a common health issue in rats that can result in acute or chronic, infectious or non-infectious, subclinical or overt signs of illness and may be attributed to a variety of environmental factors, as well as infection by bacterial, viral, or fungal agents.

How old does a rat have to be to have respiratory disease?

Often, the first symptoms of respiratory disease seen in a rat, especially in young rats, will be caused by a secondary infection. Mycoplasmosis tends to be a slowly progressive chronic disease that usually doesn’t cause symptoms until the rat is older than 8 months of age.

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.

Upper Respiratory Disease. A rat that sneezes a lot, has more tears than normal or has crusty eyes, or has a audible wheeze or crackle, is showing signs of a respiratory infection. Respiratory infections in rats are often caused by viruses.