What does a respiratory infection look like in rats?

What does a respiratory infection look like in rats?

Upper and lower respiratory diseases are very common in rats. Respiratory disease can present with a number of signs including sneezing, wheezing, nasal discharge, and unusual noises while breathing, including rattling or honking.

What should I do if my rat is sneezing all the time?

Treatment of respiratory diseases is, most of the times, pretty straightforward. You need to take your pet rat to the vet and give them medicine like antibiotics. Of course, your veterinarian will know best on what exact medication should be given.

Why does my rat have a hard time breathing?

Pet rats are prey animals, so they’ll do all they can to not show weakness. Fast or labored breathing: since it’s a respiratory problem, your pet rat will have some difficulty to breathe. Either by doing it too fast or haunched when breathing.

What to do if your pet rat is sick?

Weight loss: just like us, pet rats will lose their appetite when sick. Pet rats lose weight very fast, so it’s important to notice if they’re eating and if not, bring them to a vet so they can check on your rodent friend. Puffed and matted fur: usually pet rats fur is very shiny and smooth.

Is it normal for a rat to lose its appetite?

Sometimes it might be just some form of stress and it’ll pass, but when accompanied by other signs, it might mean your pet rat is sick. Weight loss: just like us, pet rats will lose their appetite when sick.

Why does my rat make a wheezing noise?

Wheezing is a common sound you might hear if your rat has the start of an upper respiratory infection or is experiencing a mycoplasma attack. Most people describe it as a whistling noise that occurs alongside their rat’s breathing. If wheezing is the result of mycoplasma, it should go away on its own within 48 hours.

When does the wheezing of a rat go away?

Most people describe it as a whistling noise that occurs alongside their rat’s breathing. If wheezing is the result of mycoplasma, it should go away on its own within 48 hours.

What kind of noise can a rat make?

A reliable way to check for wheezing is playing “telephone” with your rat: in a quiet room, carefully hold your rat next to your ear. If your rat is wheezing, you will hear the clear sound of whistling as they breathe. Sneezing is another common noise you will hear if you keep pet rats.

When to take your rat to the vet?

After you’ve had rats for awhile, you’ll know immediately when the sound you’re hearing is bad news. If you hear your rat making anysounds while breathingsuch as snorting or snuffling or even certain squeaky sounds, take your rat in to be examined by a veterinarianas soon as possible.