Have You Done a Nasal Cleansing?

[Bundyrats]

So I've taken Meesha off Baytril after my trip to the vet on Monday night. I wouldn't say that she has improved on just the spray but I wouldn't say that she has gotten any worse, although she is still puffy (and my gut says that I will have to put her back on Baytril soon). He has recommended that I buy a vapouriser, which I will do tomorrow. He listened to her chest and it was not clear, there was definately something going on in there, then I sprayed her and he said the sound instantly improved but then after a few breaths, it went back to the old sound. He recommends putting her in a vapourised room for 20 mins preferably 2-3 times per day. I am so worried about what is going to happen. Can someone tell me what to expect? Will she be on Baytril for the rest of her life and then when she is really having trouble breathing I will have to....you know....I can't bear to think of her struggling for breath, and I don't know how this disease works but I have to do something and I think the vapouriser is more of a temporary relief.
Also, I think I've heard about flavoured Baytril on the Shack before. We just have the normal stuff but my vet is looking into the cost of having a flavoured one, apple or something. It will be a lot more expensive but my girls are starting to refuse what I've got now even when it's in ice-cream (which is the only way they'll take it). After a week or so, I have to stick my finger in the ice cream and basically shove it in their face so they will reluctantly lick it up.

 

[rattytat]

I have been using a vaporiser for the past couple of months for my boys and it really has made a difference. I usually put it on overnight and maybe once during the day. Good luck

 

[Bundyrats]

Thanks rattytat. I never thought of just leaving it on overnight but there's no reason why I can't put it next to the cage. Do you add anything in it? One vet said a bit of eucalyptus can help but another said this might be an irritant.....

 

[rattytat]

Nothing but water but I have heard about the eucalyptus. I really haven't had any experience with it, but my inclination would be to start out with just water and see how it goes.

 

[ChrisK]

Will she be on Baytril for the rest of her life and then when she is really having trouble breathing I will have to....you know....I can't bear to think of her struggling for breath, and I don't know how this disease works but I have to do something and I think the vapouriser is more of a temporary relief.

Baytril is not the only drug that can be used for respiratory disease in rats. It is typically the first one we all run to because it's a broad spectrum antibiotic and typically does the trick. However, it doesn't always work and doesn't always keep working, and so sometimes Veterinarians will prescribe it in combination with other antibiotics. The combination seems to give both drugs more of a "kick". And that in turn, can help clear up the infection. This may be worth discussing with your vet.

 

[xKrAzEdShOoTeRx]

I think i need some of that nasal spray myself, my allergies are acting up lol

 

[jorats]

I've had several rats on long term baytril. But when it gets to a point where the baytril is not enough, you can add doxy to give a boost or you can also add Zithromax. I've actually had rats on Baytril and then added Zithro which allowed the rat to make a full recovery.

 

[crumbilina]

My Delilah had something similar to what you are describing in your girl. She had what sounded like a stuffy nose as well as some congestion in her lungs. We (my vet and I) tried every combination of antibiotics we could think of: doxy with baytril, zithro with baytril. Then we finally used Clavamox and Baytril in combination. It was a 4 week course of meds and FINALLY her breathing has cleared.

The combinations are for sure worth a try.

 

[Bundyrats]

Thanks all. I will talk to my vet about this. BTW, about an hour after I posted last night, she was looking pretty flat so I got some Baytril into her again. So we're back on it now.