Sue's Pnuemonia con't

[momofmany]

I've just managed to alienate the FuzzKid's Vet. The Baytril was not working alone so I called and asked her if there was any other combination of antibiotics we could try (thinking I was trying to keep her Ego intact) and she curtly told me, no...there are no other meds we can put her on and she told me to just care for Sue and maybe she might make it....end of phone convo!

Called two teaching Universities to get some input, as much as one can get via phone. I spoke to a VERY nice and helpful vet at the Sask. University Clinic. He confirmed what all you have been saying regarding Baytril/Doxy combo! Now how would one go about getting a vet to see there are more ways and combos in treating respiratory issues in a ratty?? I had to badger her (angry Vet) cuz Sue (14 mos.) still eats, drinks & irritates her sister and I love her and would do this for any of my fuzzkids!

Any ideas out there? Thanks ahead of time!!

 

[jorats]

Oh cripes... that's going to be a tough one. It's too bad some vets are so stubborn. The only thing I could see if perhaps make an appointment and beg for the doxy. Now, some vets don't believe doxy is much good like my vet... which I tend to agree with her because it has never worked on my rats. We always do Zithro and Baytril for the stubborn ones so you may have to give her options.
Are there no other vets in your area?

 

[momofmany]

There is one more vet in Kitimat, so that's our HOPE, a mere 40 minute drive! Which is better than 2 hours, like I have been doing! He, the vet, doesn't "see" rats as a rule but I know he saw one about 7 months ago. I will check out Smithers as another option...Being that Sue's pnuemonia is resistant to Clavamox and now Baytril, the Baytril/Zithro might just be the way. *fingers, toes, and all 4-legged's toes crossed*

If Sue was older and her quality of life was on a major nose dive, well maybe I'd not feel so desperate...She is trying and I can see that.

 

[Ratticus]

Can't you order doxy online, like from some pidgeon supply places? I think Deb Ducommen knows where this can be ordered. Perhaps try that? It's frustrating when you can't find a vet who will work with you.

 

[temblabamomo]

It's really a shame that some vets aren't open to advice or help. My vet is like that, and it makes me crazy. They're the only "exotic" vet around (the next being about 3 hours away), but they're not actually certified exotics, they simply have a strong interest in treating exotics. Can't be *that* strong of an interest though since they're never willing to try any meds that aren't listed in their super outdated 'care of exotics' manual :redhot: It's only over the last year that one dr at that clinic has start attending seminars and really *really* trying to learn more about rats.

I hope you have some luck with the other vet. Lots of warm healing vibes being sent for your Sue :heart:

 

[momofmany]

It's really a shame that some vets aren't open to advice or help. My vet is like that, and it makes me crazy. They're the only "exotic" vet around (the next being about 3 hours away), but they're not actually certified exotics, they simply have a strong interest in treating exotics. Can't be *that* strong of an interest though since they're never willing to try any meds that aren't listed in their super outdated 'care of exotics' manual :redhot: It's only over the last year that one dr at that clinic has start attending seminars and really *really* trying to learn more about rats.

I hope you have some luck with the other vet. Lots of warm healing vibes being sent for your Sue :heart:

Thank you for the healing vibes!! The Vet I spoke with at the Saskatchewan University Vet Clinic said that anytime from anywhere vets that are unsure of what course to take can always call them, no problem at all! You gotta know that won't happen as much as it should, for the Rattum sake anyway!! :rant:

There were no openings today in Kitimat, if there are none again tomorrow, then we have an appointment for Wednesday. Sue has always been the rattie with a strong constitution, up til now.. I just hate hearing her discomfort... :cry:

 

[momofmany]

Can't you order doxy online, like from some pidgeon supply places? I think Deb Ducommen knows where this can be ordered. Perhaps try that? It's frustrating when you can't find a vet who will work with you.

I'll have to check into the online situation, although, I am always 'iffy' about whether or not I am getting the real thing, etc...but worth a check for sure!! The "Rat Woman" herself?! I'm always thinking she is Rattie Royalty, as it were...

I appreciate your ideas for sure!! Thank you!

 

[victoria]

Can't you order doxy online, like from some pidgeon supply places? I think Deb Ducommen knows where this can be ordered. Perhaps try that? It's frustrating when you can't find a vet who will work with you.

I'll have to check into the online situation, although, I am always 'iffy' about whether or not I am getting the real thing, etc...but worth a check for sure!! The "Rat Woman" herself?! I'm always thinking she is Rattie Royalty, as it were...

I appreciate your ideas for sure!! Thank you!

Another thing to keep in mind with Doxy is the temperatures it's exposed to during shipping can affect it's efficacy and whether or not it's even safe. Not exactly a drug you would want to sit out in a hot truck for a few days.