Poor Binky

[arresai]

Binky's breathing is terrible! Very crackly!! Rushed him to the vet and the diagnoses is myco/pnuemonia :cry4: He's on Doxy and Baytril and I'm to call the vet on Monday to let her know if he's any better. She also wants stool samples from everybody and wants to see Binky again next week. I have to put Binks by himself but near the others. OMG I've never had to deal with this before, I'm a nervous wreck anic: Any tips for medicating would be greatly appreciated :bow:

 

[mamarat]

Why do you have to separate him? Sometimes the stress of being alone is worse for the ratties.

 

[puffnstuff]

I agree about the separation. If he has myco, the other rats have already been exposed, so it's too late to save them from it by separating the sick rat. If the others have strong immune systems, they may not even present symptoms and may be fine. Just keep an eye on all of them.

I remember the first time one of our rats got myco, we were told to separate. It was so heart-breaking. They would stick their little arms out of the cage and try to reach for each other. I don't bother separating any more.

As for medicating, we've never had any problems. They take the Baytrill like it's candy. Just fill the syringe to the correct amount, and hold it in front of the rat, and let him take a taste. If all goes well, he'll just lap it up and all you have to do is push the plunger very slowly until it's all gone. If that doesn't work, you'll have to hold the rat wrapped in a towel and prop the side of his mouth open with the end of the syringe, and slowly squirt the Baytill in, a few drops at a time. The vet technician should have showed you how to do this.

 

[jorats]

Poor little Binky. I agree with the others. Don't separate him, you want him with the less stress possible and separating might be too much for him.

 

[arresai]

I had to separate him from his roomie as he was picking on poor sick Binky. But on the upside Binks seems to be recovering, knock on wood and everything else. His breathing isn't as crackly or loud, he's eating and drinking well but hates his meds. Dr. Ross checked his heart, eyes etc. and did an otoscope, as was good except his weight he's 543g so time to get him on the ratty treadmil. Praying he continues to recover.