Trouble breathing... Blizzard Outside! Doing much better! :)

[Slapdash]

I need to know what to do for my guy Rufus. He's having a respiratory attack making terrible LOUD noises and having visible difficulty breathing.He's not quite 1 year and a half. I've given him some dark chocolate about 20min ago but it hasn't seemed to help. I think I'm going to try the inhaler. What can I do? I have some doxy on hand but for immediate help aside from what I've done/am doing. Steaming maybe? My vets an hour away and there is a blizzard outside I really need advice please! Thank you!

I'm uploading a video to photobucket as we speak...

 

Try running the hot shower with him and his buddies in the room with the door closed for 15 minutes.

 

[Roo]

Not sure

I would say steam in the bathroom would hopefully help. I've never done it, but I always hear it helps ratties breathe.

 

[jorats]

I'd definitely use the inhaler, and steam.

 

[PitLuvs]

Inhaler and steam, asap. Sounds like we are both in the same boat, but at least you can do these thing. Hoping your lil man pulls through and you can get him in asap.

 

[Slapdash]

Thanks! I did the inhaler and he's already slightly better but still visibly having some trouble.

Here's the video, this is before the inhaler...

 

[lilspaz68]

Inhaler then steam...I usually have the patient in my lap as I sit in there with the hot water shower running, and we steam up together. I watch carefully for signs of more difficulties and then would take them out fast. Most times they will start to breathe a little easier, and might even start grooming the damp off their coat.

ETA: just saw your video and that is just congestion, which should really be helped by the steam.

 

[Slapdash]

Inhaler then steam...I usually have the patient in my lap as I sit in there with the hot water shower running, and we steam up together. I watch carefully for signs of more difficulties and then would take them out fast. Most times they will start to breathe a little easier, and might even start grooming the damp off their coat.

ETA: just saw your video and that is just congestion, which should really be helped by the steam.

So those terribly loud noises are just upper congestion? I was trying not to panic he sounded so awful!

He's just finished steaming with my husband while I've been posting lol and is now sleeping :bow: in his litter box of all places, and I just put in all clean hammocks this morning!!!

The inhaler seemed to help in minutes and now since the steam he seems much more comfortable! I'll be keeping a close eye on him tonight!

Ironically, I already had it on my list to call the vet tomorrow to set up an appointment for Friday because I've noticed a couple of them having flare ups and needing some meds! lol

 

[mamarat]

So glad he's feeling better.

 

[Slapdash]

Thanks again everyone! He's back to himself today :dance: and I've already gotten an appointment for Friday!

 

[mamarat]

:joy:

 

[lilspaz68]

Fantastic!!!

 

[Rattus]

So happy hes holding on! it will be a relief to get him to the vet and fill him up on antibitics if he needs it! its scary when you cant get there.. Ive been in tears balling..