I'm loosing Stewart :( *update 12/21/10*

[larch]

No! >: Not Stewart...

Are you sure what exactly is the problem? URI, pneumonia? Something else? I hope it isn't. I hope that's all it is. With aggressive antibiotics, there may be hope. He sounds like he's in a horrible condition though... Man, I really hope he pulls through. I really really hope. My best wishes are with you and him. Come on, little guy!

 

[PitLuvs]

Yes Larch, Stewart There is a reason you drew his picture for me I am thinking. He has URI, I am suspecting pneumonia. Thank you for that and your kind words :heart:

We don't have any health food stores for probiotics, would yogurt with such added help? I have tried just saline and it doesn't seem to break it up, but I do try it between doses of meds in the nebulizer if he gets bad.

 

[Godmother]

Wishing you & Stewart all the best. Nothing harder than seeing them sick with something so virulent. He probably feels comfort from you petting him, though. He knows you are there for him.

 

[SQ]

I am so very sorry.

If you know someone nearby who has an inhaler, perhaps you could borrow it once or twice a day to treat Stewart, until you can get one tomorrow.
I am so very sorry that this is happening.
Such a horrible thing for both you and Stewart to go through.
:hugs:

========================================================

Many meds I give my rats are purchased at the drug store by perscription from the vet.
Since the vet just saw Stewart, he shouldn't need to see him again to perscribe other meds.

If baytril + doxy doesn't help, you could try baytril + azithromycin.
Azithromycin (10mg - 15 mg/454.4 g twice a day for 6 weeks or longer if helping, mix up half a bottle at a time as once mixed only good for 14 days) can be purchased at the drug store and works well with baytril (10 mg/454.4g twice a day for at least 6 weeks)

Or you could try enalapril (0.25 mg/454.4g twice a day) or benezapril (0.3 mg/454.4g twice a day). If this helps, he has a heart problem and other heart meds are added. I get the meds from Shoppers Drug store by perscription from the vet.

 

[PitLuvs]

Stewart today, other than the breathing he looks like a normal healthy rat. I hate this.

[youtube:2dng95os]c46XtS4KbCo[/youtube:2dng95os]

Thanks SQ, I will look into those.

 

[victoria]

Any probiotics will do. Many (most) drug stores and pharmacies sell probiotics now, not just health food stores. If you give yogurt, I would give an unsweetened one, as sugar doesn't help with congestion.

 

:hugs:

Sorry I have no suggestions other than an inhaler

 

[jorats]

For me, the inhaler is a last ditch effort to keep them comfortable until I am ready to bring them in to be pts.
It doesn't cure, it doesn't treat... it holds off the inevitable.
It really is a hard time of year for extra expenses.

 

[jennifervb]

stay away from normal yogurt PitLuvs! Dairy is a mucous builder. He does not need that!!! :shock:

If you want to give him yogurt, get him a soy based probiotic drink.

Hang in there Sweetie and kisses to Stewart. :cuddle: :hugs: :cuddle: :hugs: :cuddle: :hugs:

 

[PitLuvs]

Thanks everyone, and thank you Jen! I wouldn't have given him dairy yogurt, I was going to pick up something that was soy based, as I know ratties cannot tolerate milk :giggle: I think I should be more clear with what I post, but most times I think I type too much!

Stewart still holding on... only one more day till doxy I am hoping.

 

[lindsayfawn]

Poor guy sending healing vibes to him

 

[larch]

Me too!! Keep us updated! Hoping for a the best outcome! Stew <3

 

did the meds arrive???

I know theres a storm in NS now and the boat aint going accross

 

[PitLuvs]

did the meds arrive???

I know theres a storm in NS now and the boat aint going accross

Funny story. Fiance let me sleep in today and I told him this morning " MAKE SURE to keep checking the mail, the Doxy should be here today ok?" When I woke up I asked again, any mail? He said no, then I said "Are you sure?" And he went on a rant for 25minutes about me asking a stupid question and never taking his word for anything. So when he was done I explained to him that he could have checked the mail the last time, and the mail could have been late. I said knowing his luck, the mailman came after he went inside. So he said "FINE, I'll go check then! Ah ha!" and guess what?

The Doxy came in today :giggle: Thank you for plastic baggie and bubble wrapping it. Its raining storm like crazy here and my mail box flew open. What a mess it would have been (and no doxy) if they got wet! I know I had court paper come in today that had to be handled very gently and placed on the heater to dry haha THANK YOU !! :heart:

 

Your very welsome, I hope it helps him. :heart:

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

Just a note on the azithromyacin if you decide to try it, some pharmacies won't sell it to you unmixed but if you have your vet call it in unmixed or better yet separated into several containers so that all you have to do is add distilled water then it will really cut down the cost. I went from spending $35 every 14 days to $35 every 2 months or so.

I hope you can find something that works :hugs:

 

Have you given him the Doxy?

It that don't work try Zithro + Baytril (works well)

Also try to get an inhaler!

 

[PitLuvs]

Inhalers going to be here tomorrow, my Mom is bringing on up! Thankfully!

We are trying the doxy, my vet wants to try zythro if the dozy/baytril doesnt work.... I'm sure she understands now that I have no fear in mixing my own and will not offer premixed meds from now on. Most pet owners don't have amazing pet owners backing them up (ie The Rat Shack) so I can see why she may have thought I need all the mixing possible lol

 

Good!
Make sure you give baytril with Zithro if you go that route!

I hope he starts to timprove soon!

 

[larch]

ROFL@your fiance and his puffer. If he found out, he'd throw a hissyfit. He seems the type, eh..

I'm so glad Stewart's getting better. I can't wait 'til he's 100% & 0/10!