My baby rat of 9 weeks has started to sneeze every so often. I have also found little spots of red on her bedding, don't know if it's blood because it's very light in color. We have recently got her a new cage mate, would that be causing her stress and causing the sneezing? or could she have respiratory disease? Please help!
Kimberly Mallmann says:
November 06th, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Rats commonly get resiratory problems. The new cage mate could have carried in the illness, and the stress of the situation of introducing a new friend, and the young age of the rat all make it easier to get a respiratory infection. You might want to think about the cage set up too. The bedding/substrate you are using, pine and wood shavings can be dusty, and may cause the sneezing. The location fo the cage, if it's by a window or in an drafty area, that could cause the sneezing. Also, the product you use to clean the cage could be a factor. If it leaves a chemical residue that may cause sneezing. Make sure your cage is cleaned often, out of drafts, and in a warm location. Use a dust-free substrate, and clean with dish soap and water dilution. I would suggest getting her in for an exam at your veterinarian, but if that's not an option at this time, monitor her at home. If her sneezing becomes constant, and she starts to sound funny when she breaths you would definetly need to bring her to your vet. The red on her bedding could be blood if the new rat is nipping her, otherwise rats commonly can get chromodacryorrhea, which is red tears/nasal discharge. Its caused by a pigment that is realeased from a gland behind the eye. It is not actually blood coming out of the nose or eyes. The pigment being released causing this usually happens during times of stress or illness, so a trip to your veterinarian would be beneficial to your little baby, just to rule out any illness before it gets worse. Hope this helps, and good luck with your critters!
Cynthia says:
November 13th, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Thanks so much for your answer :) We will be taking her to the vet just to be sure and also making sure we do the things you spoke about :) Thank you once again.
Kimberly Mallmann says:
November 14th, 2008 at 08:57 AM
You're welcome. I hope your baby starts to improve and that this resolves quickly for you!
Do you know the answer this question? Are you a pet professional? Become an advisor today!
Not a pet professional? Register here to comment on this question and help fellow pet owners.
Do you have a pet question you need answering? Ask our caring pet advisors here:
Does this not answer your question exactly?
My min pin was on prednisone for less than a week 10 mg once a day. After a few days into it, he was drinking excessively. Five days ago he drank and then vomitted all the water... Read More »
My boyfriends mother's cat got in freezer yesterday about noon and she found it in there about 2 hours ago (in freezer about 22 hours), it is still meowing but not moving other... Read More »
My dog has red bumps around her inside hind leg, is there anything i can get at Walmart, cause the vets closed already and i dont want to wait. Or is it ok to wait? Read More »
Troy has a boil / spot just underneath his mouth. Yesterday it bursted and today become bigger and redder. Should I take Troy to the vets or will it just dry up? Read More »
recent vomiting and light blood in diarreah stool
Hello, our 12 week old puppy has had diarrhea for the past three days. We think it started from him eating the some of our other two adult dog's food. We bought some anti-diarrhea... Read More »
Televets does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.
© Televets 2008
