SMZ (bactrim) for cold, how long?

[Petunia]

Tilly has a cold. Her lungs sound fine, she's just stuffed up and sneezes from time to time but not too much

I've been giving her: (from the Rat guide): SULFAMETHOXAZOLE/ TRIMETHOPRIM

BRANDS: TRIBRISSEN, COTRIM, BACTRIM, SEPTRA (also called SMZ TMP)

twice a day. Well I guess you'd say today was the first day since the stuff I was giving her before had expired

I didn't take her the vet, I'm trying to avoid having to take her out in the cold and have her be exposed to something else, etc.

How long before I should see an improvement in symptoms, and/or how long before I should call the vet and bring her in, if she doesn't improve?

She only has a tiny bit of porphryin on her nose, her eyes are fine, clear and bright. She's eating ok, not super hungry but she is eating and staying hydrated.

 

[jorats]

Honestly, I wouldn't expect any improvements. Bactrim is good for skin issues, abscesses, bumblefoot...
But if it's all you've got, it's worth giving it a try. I'd say a week at the least for improvements and if so then continue for another 3 weeks after.

 

[Petunia]

ok thanks!
do all rat colds need to be treated?

I never had one with a mild cold before, they've always had lung sounds and more serious symptoms, like lots of porph and looking all spikey etc

 

[jorats]

I'm not sure if they even get colds, unless you mean nasal congestion? I guess that could be a cold. I usually try a nasal saline mist first to help them clear it up and if it continues too long like 3 to 4 days, then I start meds.

 

[Petunia]

I'm not sure if they even get colds, unless you mean nasal congestion? I guess that could be a cold. I usually try a nasal saline mist first to help them clear it up and if it continues too long like 3 to 4 days, then I start meds.

oh. I don't know

well, I'll ask the vet tomorrow, I went to check on her and now I can hear sounds in her lungs that weren't there before, so I'm taking her in.

 

[jorats]

Good, better to get Baytril.

 

[SQ]

Sounds like she will need baytril and possibly another antibiotic for about 6 weeks if the meds help.
Hope she feels better soon