Dusty is having trouble

[rattielove]

Our sweet agouti, Dusty has had chronic lung issues. Apparently she was at one time exposed to some harsh chemical and she developed scarring in her lungs. (This was before us) She has been treated in the past w/Baytril & Zeniquin.She is on a maintenance dose of theophyllin & predisone daily.Last time we had her checked, our wonderful vet said she is not fighting any active infection and besides being very skinny she looks good so just keep her on the 2 meds.
Today I noticed her trying so hard to breathe. I made sure she had her theo & pred,did the tiny bit of dark chocolate, Primatene Mist and steam. She got a little better for about 45 minutes & wanted to lay back down with her three warm, squishy brothers who try to take her of her (warm & comfort)
Our wonderful vet is not on today and the other vet is deathly allergic to rats so we can't bring her in til tomorrow......
Is there anything else I can do for her? She had another episode just a little while ago.I cannot tell if she is in pain. How much Tylenol or Ibuprofen would I give? Should I? I only have adult strength and can't get any today.
Someone please help me if you can.

 

[Moon]

Ugh I wish I could be of more help for you. If she's already on a daily steroid I don't know how much she can be helped.

 

[SQ]

Listen and see if she is conjested.
If she is, see if the vet will give you some lasix for her to help her get through until tomorrow.
You may also see if the vet will put her on clavamox in case of a secondary infection. Tomorrow the other vet can reevaluate the situation.
You might also ask the vet about a perscription for a puffer from the drug store .... a bronchodilator might help

If she is really bad, the vet should see her anyway ... as rats die fast.

 

[jorats]

You could try doing coupage with her. You tap her sides, one side at a time. This can help move the mucus in her lungs. She might very well have pulmonary abscesses.

 

[rattielove]

Jorats-thank you so much for the coupage idea. We did a couple treatments and it seemed to help. I have been in touch w/our vet and she agreed we are doing everything possible. We don't have any furesomide tonight so we are going to proceed with what we have & say many prayers. She's had her evening meds and we have the humidifier near their cage. God love her, she's still eating, drinking and be-bopping around. She just keeps amazing us with her inner strength and determination. Thanks again for listening & added you ideas.

Scott has always told me you are a wonderful group of people who are . I think rat people are the sweetest people I know.

 

[jorats]

Well be keeping our fingers crossed for your sweetie.

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

How is she today?

 

Have you tried buying a humidfyer?

 

[rattielove]

So sorry I haven't been back to let you know how Dusty is. We were not able to get her to the vets until Friday afternoon. Our wonderful vet is about 30 miles away and Scott has so many appointments for therapies. Also our son Daniel has been having terrible asthma/allergy problems with nights in the ER. Life is way too complicated! Anyway, she has been pretty stable the last couple of days, no more episodes of distress. We have kept up with her daily meds, kept her humidified and watched her carefully.
Today the vet saw her and was surprised she was still with us. She is absolutely astonished at her toughness. X-Ray showed scarring in her lungs, which we were aware of and possible some pulmonary abscesses so she is on Clavamox now . She is still beautiful coated, eating, drinking, bright eyed, and running around more than any of the other rats. She does not seem to be in pain or uncomfortable, but breathing hard. We will see if the Clavamox will help over the next few days and watch her. We obviously don't want her to suffer. I believe she will let us know when she is finally ready to go. :cuddle:

 

[jorats]

Rats adapt so well, even with limited lung capacity. So long as she's happy and has some quality living than that's more than some can ask for.