[ameliaflame]

My rat has been sneezing a whole lot lately. She has recycled cardboard bedding, and lives in a cage that is cleaned every week. She has been playing and eating and drinking like normal, and her 'sister'/cagemate isn't showing any signs of illness...I don't know what to do. The sneezes are wet which I kno is good in humans but I don't know about rats. I am taking her to the vet either tomorrow or Friday, any idea what it could be? It isn't a respitory infection is it? Ive heard rats can die from that and I couldn't bear that, she was my first ever ratty that I saved from being sold as a feeder! I love her to death and she's like my best friend

 

[ameliaflame]

anyone?

 

[Lexarius]

Rats can get allergies just like humans can. Also, when they're curious about things they tend to "power sniff", which can pick up a lot of dust and stuff and cause a sneeze.

I don't know what the exact symptoms of an infection might be, though sneezing blood would be an obvious one.

 

[Andrea]

Is her nose clear and eyes also. Ive only had my new girl a few hours and she power sneezes lol. Ive noticed already she only does it when you talk to her, its like she is answering back, also when she wants attention. If her eyes and nose are clear and general health seems good she should be ok, but of course a vets opinion is better and more comforting.

 

[ameliaflame]

Her nose is clear and she has a tiny bit of red crust around her eyes but she always has that. We can't take her to the vet because there was a huuuuge snowstorm today and my mom doesn't want to risk driving around without snow tires. But I don't think it could be allergies, she's never had this problem before and we've had her for over 6 months. She will just sneeze while walking or eating or playing with her sister...anything.

 

[Andrea]

Mmm not sure. maybe the signs of common cold coming? The red crust around her eyes? My rat got that when she got a cold but if she has always had that im not sure. Have you changed your purfume or a spray? they can be sensitive to things like that?

 

[ameliaflame]

We went to the vet yesterday and the vet said that she had an upper respitory infection. We have to give her this medicine for two days, and then the vet says she will be as good as new. Im so glad! ^^ Already her sneezing is stopping and her nose that was bleeding has stopped. Yay!!!!

 

[ameliaflame]

The vet thinks that there is a possibility that Rhia Clarissa Treacle, Marsha's cagemate, might get it too but if she does we will get a discount on the medicine and it should only cost like $20. Marsha's vet bill was 50 bucks but it was worth it!