Albert has a lower respiratory infection

[jennifervb]

Wouldn't you know that one week after Roquefort dies, Albert decides to chime in his 10 cents worth?

Took my little fuzz bundle to the vet on Saturday because he was making a congested sound.

Examination and x-rays showed that he has congestion in the airways. There are no heart issues and there is no lung congestion. The congestion appears to be concentrated in the airways.

He is on Baytril, Vibramycin and Aminophyllin for the next month.

With the exception of the Aminophyllin, he loves his meds! He steals the syringes from me and tries taking off with them. LOL!!!

He still eats a ton but has lost a little weight. Dr. Davis is not concerned with the weight loss because it is minimal but I am still giving him extra treats.

I think I will take Buddy in for a check up.... just for the heck of it. He isn't showing any signs of anything but I want to make sure.

Lord.... if one comes down with something.... they ALL come down with something!!! They must plan all this in advance to make mom's life more challenging. :roll:

 

[SQ]

Was wondering what Vibramycin was so googled it ... Vibramycin = doxy.
And Aminophyllin is a bronchodilator. Good to know.

Hope Albert is soon feeling better.

 

[jorats]

Even though it's not in the lungs yet, you are treating it aggressively. That's good! It can travel down so fast.
Back when I only had 6 rats, I would bring them in to the vet for a check up every 6 months. I can't afford to do that anymore but I sure wish I could.

 

[jennifervb]

Was wondering what Vibramycin was so googled it ... Vibramycin = doxy.
And Aminophyllin is a bronchodilator. Good to know.

Hope Albert is soon feeling better.

Thanks! :hugs:

My vets tend to do the kick butt routine when it comes to any kind of heart or respiratory issue.

They all know how much it takes out of me when I lose a fur face. They are the ones who have to euthanize my babies and they are also the ones who have to pick up the pieces, when I'm making puddles on their examination table, and glue everything back together.

My vets are exotic animal specialists so I never have to worry that they know what they're doing.

At least I can say that every, possible, venue is tried before the decision to euthanize is made. This really helps me during the recovery process. I know that all my boys were ready to go when they died and I also know that the euthanizing vet takes meticulous care when euthanizing. Dr. Richards also cries when she has to put one of my babies to sleep.

She cried over Basil and Roquefort the most. They were two of her alltime favorite rats.

 

[jennifervb]

Even though it's not in the lungs yet, you are treating it aggressively. That's good! It can travel down so fast.
Back when I only had 6 rats, I would bring them in to the vet for a check up every 6 months. I can't afford to do that anymore but I sure wish I could.

Tell me about it, Jo!!!

Roquefort was only gone a week when Albert started making his sounds. Where the respiratory infection came from is beyond me! Albert was romping and powergrooming one day and the next day he was making this congested sound.

Illness does travel fast in their little bodies. Dr. Davis heads the Eastern Exotic Veterinary Center. My boys usually go to either Dr. Richards or Dr. Davis. They both know my rats and tend to do aggressive treatment immediately.

I understand what you mean with having check ups every 6 months, but you're right... it is expensive and not always possible to do. Nevertheless, we do what we can for our little Cheerio pilfer units and it helps that we are lucky enough to have vets who A) care about our rats and B) Know what they are doing! :bunnydance:

 

[mamarat]

Good thoughts for your sweetie. :hugs:

 

[Godmother]

That's wonderful that your vet has the equipment to tell exactly where the infection is. I wonder if that is what's ailing my Clara. I have found the addition of a bronchodilator to be very helpful for some rats.

Healing vibes and scritches (and banana mash, of course) to Albert from me!