Neulizers: looking for suggestions for a setup, use

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victoria

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Jul 3, 2009
Messages
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Location
Montreal, QC
After looking for one for a couple of weeks, I finally purchased a nebulizer that I think is appropriate for rats. I found two sites that had slightly different descriptions of the size of molecule dispersed, but both were within the .5-5 micron range recommended for rats, so I am hoping it will be good. (http://www.nebulizersforsale.com/John-B ... 2-110.html)

While I'm waiting for it to come, I have to get all my materials ready to make a chamber. I'm thinking of using a large, clear Rubbermaid tote and either cutting a hole in the side and feeding the hose through it (I have aquarium glue to seal around the hose) and drilling some holes for ventilation, or feeding the hose through the top and thus have the lid ajar to allow for ventilation.

For those of you that nebulize, does that sound like it would work? Is there anything I should keep in mind when making the chamber? (I'm already planning on getting a tote that is at least a foot high so the rats do not feel cramped.) I've also read that there are some people nebulize healthy rats on a regular basis (like once a month) to help them stay that way. Does anyone do this? Is there a risk of bacteria becoming antibiotic resistant because of it?

This is all pretty mew to me, so any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.
 
There may be a "sticky" on this topic under Health, because Jorats does this routinely. SQ has also done it, and I think she has some photos posted.

[ETA: Here's the link to info that Jorats posted viewtopic.php?f=26&t=2481 but there are no photos. You might try a Search under the Health section]

The aquarium glue sounds like a great idea (I had never heard of it before), because it is difficult to make a hole that fits exactly. Your idea of having a hole in the side and vent holes on the top sounds good, and a big container will probably make the rats feel less ill at ease.
 
I thought I read somewhere that there are people that nebulize their colonies once a month with meds, even when they're healthy. Or they nebulize rats with a history of respiratory issues to keep them well and prevent flare ups.

I'm mostly asking because I am wondering if it may be benificial to one of my rats that has recurring URIs and an overall fragile respiratory system.
 
I nebulize my rats every 3rd month no matter their health. Well, in fact, I don't nebulize the sick ones. It's too hard on their system and stressed them out to the point of killing them.
I nebulize with injectible baytril. This was all worked out with my vet. Over the years, we have found it to be highly beneficial. But we don't have a control group so would the rats live a long life without the nebulizing, we don't know. Also how much does our healthy diet, clean habitat, daily exercise and mental stimulatio come into play in their longevity.
 
Without nebulizing our rats had pulmonary abscesses, with nebulizing hardly any tumours in the lungs. She's convinced that it's beneficial.
But again... that could have meant that we had a very bad stock of rats before, prone to pulmonary abscesses. I've stopped with my current crew because of the CAR B. It seems to make it harder on them. Unless I feel that the CAR b is under control.
Interstingly, CAR B is almost like myco and present in most of the rats but again it's the secondary infections that make it so much worse. This was said to me by my vet as well as Shelagh's vet.

Here's where all my pics are: viewtopic.php?f=21&t=625&hilit=nebulizing
 

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