Rat Lung Infection

[Edie]

Hey guys I’m new to the forum and rat care itself.

I have a female rar ‘Naw’ who is just over a year old. Naw has one of those very common lung infections. Don’t worry she has been taken to the vet. I just want to investigate further and have everyone share their experiences as it is so common. I would like to share what the vet told me. I would appreciate it if you guys shared anything that helped your little guys so I can implement it for Naws’ care.

Firstly,

- it’s hard to treat and very recurrent becuase it is caused by many types of bacteria not just one so there isn’t one easy path for treatment. Also, it can be contagious as there are three types of bacteria that cause it that are contagious. However, not all of the bacteria that cause it are contagious. Don’t risk it.

Secondly,

- although air irritatants don’t cause it they can reprovoke it and/ or make it worse. Therefore, I am switching my bedding from shavings to fleece. Let me know what you think. I am also making sure the cage is inside in a room that’s away from deodorants, smoke and air fresheners etc.

Thirdly,

- Some rats are on medication for life whereas other jsut need it for two weeks to a month. Some rats never contract the disease as their immunity is higher.

Lastly some final tips,

- feeding rats a diet high in fruit, veggies and omega three fatty acids (fish or flax seeds) helps their immune system and thus helps prevent the disease and / or combat it. The pellets are more of a lab rat food and should only be there as an optional extra as they are very basics

Note: hopefully there will be no lab rats in future


Let me know your tips guys

 

[SQ]

Did the vet take a sample and have it tested?
If not, where does the idea of 3 types of bacteria come from, and why does he believe it is chronic?

All rats have myco and may have myco flareups through out their lives. There are many strains of myco. Myco causes organ damage and flareups much be treated with antibiotics or a combo of antibiotics for 4 to 6 weeks if the antibiotic helps, if it doesn't help then different antibiotics or combos of antibiotics are tried http://ratguide.com/health/bacteria/mycoplasma_mycoplasmosis.php

Rats can also have a secondary infection - they kill very fast so rats need to be immediately put on antibiotics that work against secondary infections http://ratguide.com/health/lower_respiratory/pneumonia.php

there are several highly contagious diseases rats can get that are often fatal (SDA, Sendai, Kilham rat virus, CAR bacillus)

breathing issues can also be caused by heart issues - heart issues can be treated http://ratguide.com/health/cardiovascular/congestive_heart_failure.php http://ratguide.com/health/cardiovascular/cardiomyopathy.php

If you go to ratguide.com ( a vet approved medical site for rat owners) and type breathing into the search box and you will get a lot of info

A healthy diet ( good quality 14% protein rat block), a variety of daily vegs, and occasional healthy treats of whole grains. (such as cooked whole grain oatmeal, buckwheat, etc), berries, a piece of fruit, organic pumpkin seeds, ground flax seeds etc - see the forbidden foods list https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/food-dos-and-donts.22782/#post-343892

a clean cage, dust free bedding, a scent free environment, no ammonia buildup, etc, a huge cage with interesting stimulating things, daily interaction with you, and a rat safe play are wher your rats can play, climb, run, explore and interact with you for 1 to 2 hours a day

living with at least one other rat (there are intro steps to use when introing new rats to ensure no one is harmed)
Please see

are all things that will help