URIs everywhere, argh!

[TorachiKatashi]

I haven't been around here much lately - lots of stuff going on.

Things are finally starting to settle around down here for the boys, we're getting into a workable routine that keeps us all happy. And now everyone is sneezing and chirping. All three of them. Whiskers had a bit of a break where he seemed like he was getting better after his three weeks of Baytril, but he's back to the way he was, and not the younger boys are at it too. Whiskers and Vin are sneezing all day, with that same funny chirping sound when they're breathing. I haven't really noticed sneezing from Oskar (or if he has been sneezing, I've been attributing it to Vin) but his chest sounds funny and he's making the chirping noises too.

I took all their weights today (405g for Vin, 490g for Oskar, 520g for Whiskers,) and I'm going to stop into the vet office on the way home from work tomorrow and see how impossible it would be to get six weeks worth of Baytril for the lot of them. Might take a bit of convincing, but I don't exactly want to pay some crazy "examination" fee so he can look at them and tell me they have what I already know they have.

On a side note, ugh. Oskar is getting a nice big of pudge on him, but Vin is actually kind of skinny, so I can't limit his food without making Vin skinnier than he already is. I'm not really sure why Oskar is fat and Vin is skinny, Oskar doesn't keep food away from Vin - if anything, it's the other way around. Oskar was bigger than Vin even when I brought them home, so I guess a lot of it is just genetics.

 

URI's always need at least 6 weeks of medication, thats why I don't and won't settle for 3 weeks. I pay the $75 exam fee I'll get what I want. Whiskers has probably gotten his back, bc 3 weeks clears the infection, the next 3 prevents it from coming back.

ETA: has there been any changes recently ? cage changes, bedding changes, temp changes/drafts, etc?

 

[TorachiKatashi]

URI's always need at least 6 weeks of medication, thats why I don't and won't settle for 3 weeks. I pay the $75 exam fee I'll get what I want. Whiskers has probably gotten his back, bc 3 weeks clears the infection, the next 3 prevents it from coming back.

ETA: has there been any changes recently ? cage changes, bedding changes, temp changes/drafts, etc?

None that I can think of. They started using their fleece liners, but I don't know how or why that would make a difference.

I should drag you over to roar at the office people for me. xD

 

[jorats]

Do you have a fan on or A/C on, that can be enough of a change to set up some sneezing.
Sneezing alone is not really reason enough to start meds, in my opinion. Anything else worrying you? Are they still quite active, eating well...

 

I forgot to mention what Jo just did. Is there any sound coming from the lungs? put their backs up to your ear, you should hear just clear breathing ..any chirping and respyness needs meds.

 

[TorachiKatashi]

I guess the reason the sneezing concerns me is because it's constant - someone is sneezing behind me right now. No fans or AC. I had all the windows open, but that was like, a week ago and they haven't been open since then.

Should I put their backs or their fronts up to my ear? I was listening to their fronts earlier.

I was in to talk to the secretary, she's putting in a request to Dr. Toor and I should hear from him tomorrow or the next day.

Edit: I just listened to all their backs. It's really hard to tell what I'm listening to, but I don't really hear anything other than their breathing (stronger for the younger boys because they don't like being restrained and are breathing hard) and what I assume to be their heart beat. Not really anything that sounds wet or wheezy.

I should point out that none of them have been porphy at all, hardly even in the morning.

Something just occurred to me, though. Since they've switched over to their fleece liners (which they're successfully shredding to bits,) I've been washing them in the washer with vinegar and detergent, along with their hammocks. Could the detergent set off the sneezing? Not really sure which detergent, just whatever kind Mom buys. She usually buys sensitive brands since I have skin allergies.

 

The window being open could have triggered them ..my Bella seems to have allergies to the outside and sneezes when the window is open. Are they near the window? if there was any draft could it reach them? ..temp change on rats is bad, you should try to stay at a constant temp. I only open windows if its really warm, and it's not windy outside for drafts.

Yes,listen to their backs ..if you hear nothing but breathing, I would not be too worried. Rats sneeze if something gets in their nose, etc. I only ever wash my stuff with ABC detergent ..the regular scent one ..it's supposed to be the best with rats ..hypoallergenic is also good. I think maybe they are sneezing due to the detergent ..cause the fleece itself would not cause it ..and thats the only change you have had.

 

[jorats]

Getting them vet checked is definitely the best way to find if they need it.

 

Getting them vet checked is definitely the best way to find if they need it.

I agree, I would get them all checked if your that worried ..just because putting them on meds when not needed will build a restanice to the meds.

I strong suggest you try booking an apt with Dr. D..and mention my name!

Bringing in more than one will cost $54 per rat ..instead of $75

 

[TorachiKatashi]

I decided to put off the meds for now - really, their only symptom is sneezing. When Whiskers had his URI, he was very porphy all through out the day, which none of them are now. I'll keep a close eye on them and Mom and I are going to go hypoallergenic-detergent shopping tomorrow, so hopefully that will help.

Here's a question - if it actually is that opening the windows made them sneeze, is there any harm in that other than that they're sneezing? Our house has no AC so I really have no choice in having the windows open or not in the summer. I'd really be more worried about their health of I didn't open the windows.