Respiratory Disease in Pet Rats
Respiratory Disease in Pet Rats
Upper and lower respiratory disease is common in pet rats.
Respiratory disease can include a number of symptoms including sneezing, wheezing, nasal discharge or unusual noises while breathing.
The inside of the lungs and respiratory tract is lined with cilia cells.
The cilia are microscopic hair-like structures with a rhythmic waving motion that helps to clear the airways of mucous and dirt.
This is the first barrier against infections and allows for easy breathing without irritation.
These cells work most effectively if it does not dry out or get damaged.
The best way to prevent respiratory issues is to keep humidity above 40% and ammonia levels as low as possible by cleaning the cage often and using absorbent litter and bedding.
Upper Respiratory Disease
Upper respiratory disease is usually caused by allergies, dry air, or high ammonia levels.
You may observe sneezing, nasal rubbing, porphyrin secretions, congestion and swelling of the mucous membranes.
This may be caused by irritants like smoking, perfumed detergents or cleaning products, pollen, dust, exposure to drafts, low humidity or high ammonia levels from a dirty cage or bedding.
A rat with upper respiratory disease will usually be responsive to antihistamines, nebulising, raising humidity, cleaning the cage more often or removing possible irritants.
In severe cases a vet may prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug to reduce inflammation of the nasal passages.
Lower Respiratory Disease
Lower respiratory disease is very serious and must be treated by a vet.
Pneumonia is the result of primary or secondary infections by organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.
It may also be caused by inhalation of chemical irritants including very high ammonia levels or aspiration of food or drugs being administered.
Rats with pneumonia may get very sick and display symptoms like excessive porphyrin production, wheezing, congestion, laboured or rapid breathing, hunched posture, sucked in sides, lethargy, poor appetite or coughing.
Not getting enough oxygen sometimes result in extremities turning blue.
The rat needs to be treated by a vet ASAP who will prescribe antibiotics.
In severe cases antibiotics may be combined with a corticosteroid or nebulising to relieve symptoms.
Do not try to home medicate a rat with lower respiratory disease. Fluids in the lungs may be caused by heart disease and not pneumonia and needs a different treatment.
Always make sure that a rat with respiratory disease stays well hydrated and warm.
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