Respiratory Disease
Respiratory infection is the most common ailment found in rats. The most common reason for this is that most rats are born with a bacteria called Mycoplasma pulmonis. This bacteria is highly contagious and infant rats contract it from their mothers at birth. Mycoplasma commonly causes pneumonia, lung abscesses, emphysema and lung lesions. The severity of mycoplasma can be aggravated by cigarette smoke, dirty cages (due to the ammonia residue from urine and faeces), Vitamin A & E deficiency, pine and cedar shavings and a concurrent respiratory infection. Some rats are also genetically predisposedto more severe mycoplasma symptoms.
Common symptoms of respiratory and heart disease starts with sneezing and eventually wheezing. It's not normal for a healthy rat to sneeze or make any other noises so this is a good indicator.Advanced Respiratory and heart disease can result in labored breathing, weight loss, blue extremities and respiratory distress.
It is important to get veterinary attention as soon as possible when you suspect a respiratory infection to prevent lung scarring caused by advanced infection. Usually a vet will prescribe either Baytril or Doxycycline antibiotics but make sure that he/she does not inject the medication as overdosing can lead to negative side-effects.
It should also be mentioned that Baytril should not be used on rats younger than 4 months old as it has been shown to affect the growth of cartilage in these animals.
Common symptoms of respiratory and heart disease starts with sneezing and eventually wheezing. It's not normal for a healthy rat to sneeze or make any other noises so this is a good indicator.