Sick looking Rattie :'(

[KTyne]

So I've noticed this week that my Pashmina has porph around her left eye all the time, but only on that one eye, and she hadn't been showing any other symptoms of sickness so I just kept an eye on it.
This morning I went to say hello to them and make sure they had everything they needed and she looked sort of puffy and her eye was still gunky looking and so I picked her up and tried to listen to her breathing but I don't really know if that worked too well, lol. I THINK I heard her breathing was a little wheezie sounding but I can't be sure because her heartbeat was too loud to really tell. Her energy levels and such still seem to be normal, it's just her eye and her fur seemed to be a TINY bit poofy this morning, but that could just be bed head? I had just woken them up.
I'm thinking of taking her to the vet but thought I'd ask of your guy's advice first.
Do you think she has the start of a respiratory infection? She's about 6 months old.
If so, should I ask for anything specific in terms of medication or anything if the vet finds that it is an infection?

Thanks!

 

[jorats]

If her heart beat was loud and you couldn't really hear her breathing, then that's good lungs.

How old is she and what's her diet?

 

[KTyne]

Ahhh ok, that's good.
She's almost 7 months old, and her diet is lab blocks (Purina LabDiet 5012, I think) and frequent veggies and sometimes fruit.

 

[victoria]

Purina Lab Diets are way too high in protein. You should consider switching to Harlan Teklad, Oxbow, or Living World Extrusion - they are all so much better.

 

[jorats]

A long time ago, I had a rat on a higher protein diet and she got a "leaky eye" and dirty coat. As soon as I switched she became much better. I'd change her diet if I were you.

 

[KTyne]

Ok, I'll do that. I haven't seen Living World Extrusion many places I don't think. I believe it was mentioned before that you can get it at Walmart??
I'm thinking of buying Extrusion now until I can order some Harlan.