respiratory problems?

[lillyin223]

Hi,I just got a new rat and I noticed she was sneezing and breathing a little funny? I think she has a respiratory problem.I can't take her to the vet because I really don't have that much money,Is there anything I could get over the counter meds that would work for this? I don't want her to get worse! If there is anything anything at all you could tell me to cure this up I would much appreciate it!

 

[lillyin223]

I also found this link http://www.rmca.org/Articles/herbal.htm what do you think about this?
Edito you think maybe it could be a allergy to the bedding they had her on it was wood chips don't know what kind

 

[victoria]

Echinacea helps boost the immune system a bit but it's more a preventative measure, not a treatment. If she's sick, she needs to see a vet. You can take her off bedding of any kind (keep her on fabric and clean the cage often) and try steaming her in the washroom if she'll tolerate it to see if it's new home sneezies (rats sometimes get a little sneezy when they move to a new home) but if her breathing is funny it's more serious and she needs a vet.

 

[lillyin223]

She just has the sneezing now,I will try the washroom thing and see if that helps.How long should I wait before I know its not just new home sneezing?

 

[victoria]

A week or two max, but if it's ever more than dry sneezes, then it's more serious.

New home sneezie occur because the rats are sniffing a lot more than normal and end up with a lot more dust and debris in their respiratory tract than they usually would.

 

[lillyin223]

I just listened to her again and she's sneezing and it sounds as if she is trying to eat a seed? does this sound like new home sneezing?

 

[victoria]

No, if she's congested (crackling that sound like she's eating a seed) she is sick and needs meds.

 

[lillyin223]

I put my ear to her chest and all I heard was her heart beat,But when I took my ear away she's sneezing but I'm not hearing the sounding like she's eating a seed anymore? she's lively her eyes are bright and she just ate and drank? Don't know what to think so worried!

 

[jorats]

If you are worried, I'd bring her in to see a vet. It's always good to get a full check up. And it will give you peace of mind too.

 

[lillyin223]

How much does the vet usually cost? so I can see how much money I will have to bring ( I'm only 14 ) Thank you for everything!

 

[lillyin223]

Would you like to hear what she sounds like? I can take a video and show you.I will try to get her to a vet.

 

[jorats]

Yes, a video might help.
Vet costs are different in each area. In my neck of the woods, it's very expensive. $70 for a visit but I've heard of many in the US who are only $40.

 

[lillyin223]

Here's the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8kKBgAl ... e=youtu.be ,I don't know how well you can it =) she's not to loud.I'm taking her to the vet tomorrow! Please send healing vibes

 

[jorats]

Well, I didn't hear anything at all. She looks pretty healthy to me. She didn't sneeze either.

 

[lillyin223]

I had to go with my brothers girlfriend to have a baby,But when I came back my poor rat the dog got her I even made sure to put my rat in the bedroom so that way nothing could get her,But it was so late at night that it was still dark in the room so I didn't see the dog.I feel so bad! I cried so hard! :sad3: why was I so stupid :emb:,I was just in a hurry and now shes gone :cry4: :cry4:

 

[hopefloats]

was she in a cage?

 

[lillyin223]

Ya,I even put her in the bedroom so nothing could brother her but I didn't see the dog because it was still dark in the room and she was under some covers.I think my dad might have let her in Idk I feel so guilty!!