RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection


Clinical signs: The upper respiratory tract includes the nasal passages and the inner ear. The first signs of infection are sneezing, clicking sounds from the nasal passage. porphyrin (red staining on the eyes or from the nose), face rubbing, hair sticking up on end and torticollis (tilt of the head). If your rat is showing any of these signs, get it to a vet immediately. It will need a course of antibiotics to prevent secondary infection.


Lower Respiratory Tract Infection


Clinical signs: The lower respiratory tract is the lungs and bronchi tubes. The first signs are dyspnoea (difficulty breathing) wheezing, lethargy, a hunched posture with hair on end, anorexia (refusing to eat) and weight loss. If your rat is showing any of these signs it will need antibiotics and steroids immediately. Getting it to a vet at this stage may save its life, however damage at this stage may be permanent, unfortunately.


Is There A Cure?


Mycoplasmas are the smallest known bacteria which can grow and reproduce outside the body. They have no rigid cell walls and are pleomorphic organisms. They were first thought to be viruses because there was no cell wall. Because of this, they are much more difficult to kill. The only way to stop this bacteria is to deveop a vaccine or cure. It is possible, but sadly, pet rats are seen as unimportant. There is a vaccine for horses, but there is much money to be made in horses. It was said to be uneconomical in pet rats.


How to Fight it


Keep living conditions well ventilated and clean - urine and droppings raise the ammonia levels and can be a predisposing factor. Cages should be 2 and a half feet minimum for two rats. You cannot prevent the disease but precautions can help. Stress is also a very common factor. Don't ignore your rat when it sneezes - keep a careful watch over it.