Respiratory infection, i need some advice.

[lis16420]

Ok, so my 4 month old siamese colored rattie has a very bad cold (i got her from the humane society). I've taken her to teh vet and she is on baytril right now, and has been since last monday the 15th of march. She doesn't seem to be getting better, and she was having to gasp because her nose was so stuffed. I put her in front of the humidifier for a couple minutes, which has seemed to help. On the other hand, her companion (a girl black and white rattie we got with her, who is about 2 weeks older than her) had a slight cold and has gotten better from the meds. Is it normal to take the meds so long?!?!?! I'm also getting some dark chocolate to feed her a little piece, hopefully it will make it a bit better also.

 

[SQ]

aAtiny piece of dark chocolate can be helpful in an emergency to keep the airway open until they can be rushed to the vet.
It will not make them better.
Rats are usually on baytil for at least 4 to 6 weeks.

If the baytril isn't helping, she may need another antibiotic (such as clavamox) to be added to the baytril.

Humidifying the air in the room they are in may help their breathing.
The optimum humidity level for rats is 50%

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

Your smeezer girl might need to have a combination of baytril and doxy in order to kick the infection as you should have seen an improvement from her as well. Instead of the humidifier I would suggest running hot water from the shower in the bathroom that should be more effective unless it is causing her to be stressed out (which would cause her to breathe harder which isn't good) so you will just have to try it and see.

 

[Fidget]

She might need a higher dose - I don't know what your vet gives but too many underprescribe and the mildly sick get better but the majorly sick don't, if anything underprescribing just builds up an immunity(for lack of a better description) in the bugs and they get stronger. You gotta hit em hard with the right thing right off the bat or you're just strengthening them.
What is her dosage? Some knowledgeable people here to give you an opinion based on what is known to work.
Also, like smilez_n_hugs says, baytril along with doxy is much better.
I sure hope your baby will do ok! It's scary, but kudos to you for looking for help for her everywhere - even boyond the vet.

 

[jorats]

Like SQ mentioned dark chocolate is not necessary unless in an emergency situation.

But it is possible that it's taking her longer to react to the meds. I do however agree that it's probably wise to add another med and make it a combo for her.