Nasal Congestion

[DanielZielwolf]

Hi,

One of my rats, Ari, has severe nasal congestion. He's constantly wheezing and sneezing like crazy. Flare-ups come and go every 90 minutes or so. We've got him on enrofloxacin and doxycycline and he's doing okay otherwise but in fact he's always been sniffly since I adopted him, it's just gotten a lot worse recently after a brief myco flare-up. I'm desperate for some relief for him as it must be horrible to try and breathe with a totally blocked nose (and me too as we share the same room and he's often as loud as a car driving by). Is there any kind of nasal decongestant that would work with rats? I'm thinking of trying oxymetazoline (the medicine that's in your average nasal spray), but how best to administer it? Maybe spraying a few doses close by and hoping he'll breathe some of it in? Or maybe dipping a cotton bud in the liquid and dabbing it onto his nose? Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks!

 

[SQ]

you can also try adding azithromycin (10 mg/ml) t0 the other meds and see if it makes a difference

is there anything in the environment - smells, dust etc that could be causing this?

 

[DanielZielwolf]

you can also try adding azithromycin (10 mg/ml) t0 the other meds and see if it makes a difference

is there anything in the environment - smells, dust etc that could be causing this?

Yea, I'm tearing my hair out wondering the same thing. Have tried sitting with him outside (just makes him excitable making his breathing go crazy), opening the windows wide letting the breeze come through (I'm in Melbourne by the way, midsummer here). Cleaning out sleeping boxes (with baby wipes) 3 times a day etc. etc. I definitely don't use any perfumes, scents or sprays in my room. He does seem to do better when he's on the bed instead of in the cage, but I don't know why, the cage is totally clean and well ventilated.

 

[jorats]

You could try children's benedryl. Hopefully soon the meds will start to work.

 

[DanielZielwolf]

You could try children's benedryl. Hopefully soon the meds will start to work.

Yea, I just got some Dimetapp for kids which has Brompheniramine Maleate 2mg and Phenylephrine 5mg per 5ml. Putting him on 1ml every 8hrs. He weighs about 350g. Fingers crossed.

 

[DanielZielwolf]

Update: seems to be working pretty well. It's quite quiet at the moment and he's sleeping. Can only use this for a couple of days max or you risk rebound syndrome so here's hoping the meds kick in in the meantime.

 

[jorats]

Mmm... my vet told me that only diphenhydramine is safe for rats. You should contact a vet to make sure the Dimetapp is safe.

 

[DanielZielwolf]

Mmm... my vet told me that only diphenhydramine is safe for rats. You should contact a vet to make sure the Dimetapp is safe.

I checked the LD50 figures and they're both well over 300mg/kg for both medicines. I also read about phenylephrine on goosemoose, which references the Rat Guide, and it seemed okay, but I'll check with the vet tomorrow before giving him more. He's doing a lot better at the moment though.

 

[jorats]

I checked the LD50 figures and they're both well over 300mg/kg for both medicines. I also read about phenylephrine on goosemoose, which references the Rat Guide, and it seemed okay, but I'll check with the vet tomorrow before giving him more. He's doing a lot better at the moment though.

Good to know!

 

[DanielZielwolf]

Good to know!

Yea, actually he is totally quiet for the first time in ages. Finally resting peacefully.

 

[jorats]

That's great!

 

[SQ]

http://ratguide.com/meds/respiratory_drugs/diphenhydramine_hcl.php