Questions on ilness/introductions

[Aida]

So Matilda just recently got off of baytril, and is just on doxy. now. Her breathing is normal, nothing in the nose, no sneezing. :]
Anyways, I got a new rat yesterday, and sadly can only quarantine her in my home. I don't think she has anything, though. No signs, one rat in her store cage had some red stuff around the nose, but I didn't get a good look- so I'm not sure. She's also vet certified. To the people who've worked at petsmart- does this mean she was checked for SDA/Sendai, or does it mean that a vet just took a glance at her? I really like my petsmart, supposedly they get their rats from a private breeder, sell none for food, don't have snakes, and all their rats are healthy. They only keep females together. Should I be worried? I got Matilda from the same store, so same breeeder I'm guessing, and the upper respiratory is the only problem she's had. She is in a different cage... I know it's foolish to assume that she has nothing, and I shouldn't do that, but vet certified is vet certified... ugh, I feel dumb. If Matilda gets sick, I will be so guilty. :sad3:

Also, what other diseases are given from rats to rats?(i would like to know the symptoms early, just in case...)

How long should I keep her in a seperate cage?

 

[Dazzle87]

I don't know if Petsmart has a vet see all their rats (I honestly doubt it), but even so, that wouldn't tell you if a rat had SDA or Sendai. Knowing that requires an expensive blood test. It can remain asymptomatic for up to three weeks, which is why a three weeks quarantine is suggested.

In addition to Sendai and SDA, there is Car. Baccilus, Klibisella (sp?) and various other bacterial infections. There are also endo and ectoparasites (worms, mites, lice, etc).

Petsmarts don't go through a private breeder, this is just what they tell customers (and I'm sure some of the employees believe it as well). They come from mills, however. Rainbow World Exotics is one of their suppliers.

You will want to look for any respiratory symptoms (lethargy, sneezing, wheezing, etc) and treat them ASAP. Also look for scabs and hairloss.

 

[Aida]

I don't know if Petsmart has a vet see all their rats (I honestly doubt it), but even so, that wouldn't tell you if a rat had SDA or Sendai. Knowing that requires an expensive blood test. It can remain asymptomatic for up to three weeks, which is why a three weeks quarantine is suggested.

In addition to Sendai and SDA, there is Car. Baccilus, Klibisella (sp?) and various other bacterial infections. There are also endo and ectoparasites (worms, mites, lice, etc).

Petsmarts don't go through a private breeder, this is just what they tell customers (and I'm sure some of the employees believe it as well). They come from mills, however. Rainbow World Exotics is one of their suppliers.

You will want to look for any respiratory symptoms (lethargy, sneezing, wheezing, etc) and treat them ASAP. Also look for scabs and hairloss.

All right. :sad3:

 

[jorats]

it's always a risk you take when bringing g home a new rat regardless of where it comes from and this goes for all of us since I'm pretty sure 90% can't do a full quarantine.

 

[Dazzle87]

I think those in the US are more strict about following quarantine, but yeah I wasn't trying to scare you Aida or make you feel bad, just answer your questions. Hopefully you can just breathe a big sigh of relief in three weeks .

 

[Aida]

I think those in the US are more strict about following quarantine, but yeah I wasn't trying to scare you Aida or make you feel bad, just answer your questions. Hopefully you can just breathe a big sigh of relief in three weeks .

Yeah, I hope!

I've been trying to change clothes/wash hands/arms inbetween rats, but I think it's pointless. The cages are in the same room, anything airborn is already transmitted.

I thought of another question, though-
Is it normal for rats to be a bit sneezy in a new home for the first day or so?
(okay, two more questions)
If the new rat gets sneezy/sniffly, can I give her Matilda's leftover baytril/doxy. without going to the vet? I'm pretty sure I can spot the difference between a respiratory infection and something else, and baytril is mostly for secondary infections. Would it be risky?
Also, how long before those meds go bad? They're in the fridge, and there's no expiration date on them.

 

[jorats]

Yes, it's totally normal. We call it new home sneezes. If he doesn't stop in a week or so then I'd get him vet checked.

 

[hopefloats]

I think those in the US are more strict about following quarantine, but yeah I wasn't trying to scare you Aida or make you feel bad, just answer your questions. Hopefully you can just breathe a big sigh of relief in three weeks .

Yeah, I hope!

I've been trying to change clothes/wash hands/arms inbetween rats, but I think it's pointless. The cages are in the same room, anything airborn is already transmitted.

I thought of another question, though-
Is it normal for rats to be a bit sneezy in a new home for the first day or so?
(okay, two more questions)
If the new rat gets sneezy/sniffly, can I give her Matilda's leftover baytril/doxy. without going to the vet? I'm pretty sure I can spot the difference between a respiratory infection and something else, and baytril is mostly for secondary infections. Would it be risky?
Also, how long before those meds go bad? They're in the fridge, and there's no expiration date on them.

It can be harder than what you might think to spot the difference. Some rats that carry the contagious viruses may only have a sneeze. Some can carry the bad viruses and not show a single symptom. You wont know till it has ripped through your other rats like a wildfire. Some times you can tell that they are sick, they may make a noise but a lot of the times sneezing and not one drop of porphyrin. Even if you take them to the vet, I can almost promise the cannot look at them and say if they have something. Testing is the only way. you only see the virus in sda since the neck swells generally but others it is there with no signs till the bad stuff kicks in.

You can limit your chances but you have to keep them in different parts of the house. Do not touch the new rat till you are finished with your resident rats for the day, so right before bed. Even then it is still likely the others may get it.

Good luck and I hope the sneezes clean up fast. Just listen to hear them become wet if they do then watch all of them.

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

If the new rat gets sneezy/sniffly, can I give her Matilda's leftover baytril/doxy. without going to the vet? I'm pretty sure I can spot the difference between a respiratory infection and something else, and baytril is mostly for secondary infections. Would it be risky?
Also, how long before those meds go bad? They're in the fridge, and there's no expiration date on them.

Most compounded meds are only good for 2 weeks not to mention I highly doubt that the vet prescribed you enough meds for course of abs for 2 rats. If you think your new girl needs meds then I would take her to the vet and get her properly dosed meds of her own.

 

[Aida]

If the new rat gets sneezy/sniffly, can I give her Matilda's leftover baytril/doxy. without going to the vet? I'm pretty sure I can spot the difference between a respiratory infection and something else, and baytril is mostly for secondary infections. Would it be risky?
Also, how long before those meds go bad? They're in the fridge, and there's no expiration date on them.

Most compounded meds are only good for 2 weeks not to mention I highly doubt that the vet prescribed you enough meds for course of abs for 2 rats. If you think your new girl needs meds then I would take her to the vet and get her properly dosed meds of her own.

Hmm.. I was giving her baytril for two weeks, and I still have like half the bottle left over. And the doxy still has half, that was for 3 weeks(ending on tuesday). But yeah, you're right. I don't want to give her bad meds.

How can I tell the difference between a wet and a dry sneeze? I think I know what a wet one sounds like, but I've never heard a dry. Does no sniffles=dry?