Chronic URI or CHF?

[TheRatQueen]

Ocho, he's one of my oldies around 28-30 months old who has been on doxy/baytril for what seems like eternity now for recurring URI's. His never go into his lungs, his face is always just congested. We also nebulize him everyday as well. His noises are going down, but do fluctuate...but it seems now his breathing is super rapid. It does go down when he's sleeping, he gets around just fine doesn't have tons of energy, but he's old. I can't expect much.

Can his increased breathing be due to CHF? The vet doesn't hear anything in his heart but I am wondering if I should ask for meds.

Any thoughts?

 

[hopefloats]

I had some that made noises since october. Major scarring will do that. Lucy is one of them, she breathes heavy but will out run any healthy rat any day of the week.

I had a good success with them and baytril and azithromycin. Made one of my girls quite down for a bit. I keep them medicated for life and i keep smells down in their cages, I also watch the temps for them.

I have found rats iwth heart problems tend to rock more, it is a different breathing problem from the full lungs.

 

[TheRatQueen]

We tried zithro, and it makes him really sick and he doesn't eat. So , the doxy (viber) works at keeping from not getting severely bad. Just scares the hell out of me when he 'pancakes' out and breathes like he's run a marathon. I always worry most w/ him because his cagemate, Sherlock, had the severe chronic pneumonia . So I constantly watch him like a hawk.

 

[hopefloats]

Could try a dex shot, my boys did well on that while it lasted. Honestly if they are on meds and it doesnt improve, i just keep them healthy and happy till i have to let them go.

 

[TheRatQueen]

Okay, thanks Peggy

 

[SQ]

Try giving enalapril (0.25 mg/Ib twice a day).
If it helps then atenolol (1 mg/Ib twice a day) and lasix (as needed, usually starting as 1 to 2 mg/Ib twice a day) are added. Antibiotics may also be needed
Digoxin (0.0025 mg/Ib twice a day) is added if he has an enlarged heart on as seen on an xray.

I have found with my rats, that when combos of antibiotics no longer clear up respir problems, it is usually a heart problem.
Hope he is soon feeling better and has lots of good quality time left.

 

[RattusNorvegicus]

Could it be allergies? Have you tried Benadryl?

What you are describing sounds like Luma. When she was on abs, they helped, but then began stopping. I had tried Benadryl before and I swear it didn't work, but decided to try it again, and it keeps her stable. If I miss a dose, she gets very congested. It's always in her face.

 

[TheRatQueen]

That I haven't tried. Thanks!

 

[RattusNorvegicus]

How is Ocho doing?

 

[TheRatQueen]

He is still breathing heavy, but his 'noises' are completely gone currently. About a week or so ago, I intro'd my babies into that cage, which went super well. And ever since the babies were introduced, his energy level has been through the roof! He runs around with them and plays, endlessly climbs. You name it! He's just still breathing rather heavy. It's not too labored since it's all in his upper chest, he is not stomach breathing. Which, in my mind means good news.

Thanks for asking.