Respiratory Infections in Pet Rats
WouterRespiratory infections in rats can be treated with antibiotics. These drugs have anti-inflammatory and bacterial effects and are usually prescribed for respiratory infections. Some of these drugs include doxycycline, enrofloxacin, azithromycin, and amoxycillin-clavulanic acid. They can also be used as bronchodilators and mucolytics, which break up excess mucous. These drugs can help treat respiratory infections in rats and help them breathe easier.
Respiratory problems in rats are often caused by the infection Mycoplasma. Infection with this organism can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. Rats with weakened immune systems may be susceptible to this infection, and in severe cases, it can lead to death. Other bacteria can also cause respiratory problems, but they are much less serious.
A rat with a mycoplasma infection will have jerking behavior that lasts from a few seconds to several minutes. The jerking action may be accompanied by a loud sneeze. However, these episodes should not be mistaken for coughs. The sneezing jag is caused by the infection of the rat’s respiratory system by Mycoplasma. It is similar to coughing, but is different.
If your pet rats have respiratory diseases, you may want to consider a different animal as a companion. A rat can transmit the infection to humans through sexual contact, airborne bacteria, or direct contact. The infection can also be passed on to offspring during birth. Some common symptoms include sneezing, lethargy, head tilt, and reddish brown staining around the eyes. Some rats have even developed a respiratory infection in their inner ears, which can cause head tilting and rolling.
