Baytril - confused between info from vet and here

[lovmytb]

Hey everyone, I'm new here but I've had my rats for about 2 and a half weeks. I owned rats when I was younger too. Anyways I got these two rats a few weeks ago and one started sneezing. I was using Carefresh Ultra (white kind) but it was really dusty to me, so I thought it could be bothering my rattie. Changed to fleece and litter pan (I love fabrics and sewing, so I anticipate some matching liners and hammocks coming for them lol).

Anyways, the sneezing got better for about a day, just to return again. His total sneezing time was about 8 days (but NO other symptoms). Sneezing was constant at times but at times no sneezing at all. Took him to the vet (the ONLY vet I could even get to agree to see him grrr), and she gave me baytril for him. She told me his brother would probably get it too, so to just give her a call, and she may treat them both.

So here's the thing, he's only abt 10 weeks old (if I listen to the pet stores info :emb: ). The dosage of baytril is "one drop twice a day" for 7 days. She gave me .5 on an insulin syringe, and that was $35! You can buy a whole bottle online for $25 lol (although its for birds soooo). Anyways, I know they arent supposed to have baytril under 12 weeks. I came home last night, and my other guy is sneezing a little. :gaah: Do I call her for more baytril? Is this an effective dose? Is .5 even going to last me 7 days for one? And she told me to put it on the side of his mouth... well it looked easy when she did it. He's a sweetheart, and I don't want him to hate me, should I try mixing his drop with something? I'm afraid if he doesn't like it I'm going to waste the batril. He's really picky eating.

If you made it threw that post, you are wonderful lol. I know it's a mess of a post.

Oh and he was .28 kgs (half a pound). He has grown a lot in 2 weeks!!!

Thanks everyone.

 

[lilspaz68]

On the actual bottle of baytril does it say the concentration anywhere? (mg/ml is what you are looking for) or even a percentage like 2.27 or something like that.

The vet actually gave you a syringe (I assume the baytril is clear and very llquid like alcohol? That would mean its injectable) and then told you to give a drop? LOL That just seems so backwards...

So baby is sneezing right? is it dry or wet sneezes?

 

[victoria]

First and foremost, antibiotics should be given for at least three weeks, otherwise you will do more harm than good. The dosage she gave you is vague to say the least, I can't even tell you whether she's under or over dosing him because you don't even have a concentration there. You should ask for the Baytril in a bottle so that you can measure out an appropriate amount (see dosage recommendations) for each dose and aren't giving an ambiguous dose each time (and reusing a dirty syringe). Rat Guide does say to use caution with Baytril on rats younger than 4 months (Clavamox and ZIthromax are both decent antibiotics safe for young rats) but if your rats are sick and your vet won't give anything else, it's better than nothing.

The cost of meds varies a lot from vet to vet, and while it sounds expensive, I'm not sure it's totally out of line with what some vets charge. There may be a really high dispensing fee built into that price or something.

You can check here to see if there are any other exotic vets listed in your area, or if you're in the US, the Goosemoose Rats Rule Forum has more American members we do and someone may know of a closer vet.

ETA: Shelagh was faster :s

 

[lovmytb]

Ok, so she gave me a syringe (not the needle). Its the size of an insulin syringe, but there isn't a needle. Supposed to take it by mouth. Didn't see the bottle, she drew the med in a different room. There are only a few vets nearby and she was the only one willing to see him.

 

[xxchelle]

I'd also like to say that whatever he has, if it's a URI, it's not contagious from one rat to another (depending what it's caused from) so her saying his brother will get it is probably wrong - sounds like she doesn't know much about rats.

 

[victoria]

Ok, so she gave me a syringe (not the needle). Its the size of an insulin syringe, but there isn't a needle. Supposed to take it by mouth. Didn't see the bottle, she drew the med in a different room. There are only a few vets nearby and she was the only one willing to see him.

If she's your only option in terms of vets, I suggest you go back and discuss your boys' treatment with her with the information in Rat Guide in mind. You're not the only one that doesn't have access to a rat savvy vet, at least if she is open to suggestions/discussion you can work with her to make her rat savvy.