clavulox (update on Fatso)

[simoner2922]

I took Fatso to the vet. Hes really lathargic & wont eat. I was given Clavulox to try (amoxycillan/clavulanic acid). Since the baytril & vibravet dont seem to ever get rid of the problem. Its been almost 2 hours & he still is showing no signs of getting better... My 2 other boys are sneezing like mad. But are active & normal. Hes not really eating & I'm worried. How long should these antibiotucs take to kick in...
Is there anything I can do for him? I have the heater on & vapouriser too. Hes breathing really heavily.... I'm worried... Thanks , Simone

[jeepharm]

Did you vet tell you to use a vaporizer?  Why are you using the vaporizer?  I would be reluctant to be adding moisture to the air if they are having respiratory issues.

As for when they should show signs of being better, I can't answer that for you.  You can call your vet and see how long it take for the meds to work in his system.

Good luck with your guys.

Ann & my gorgeous boys Nobel, Figlewitz, Ridley, D'Marco, Gino & Nunzio!
Enjoy the yogie bar Efram!
Co-founding Partner/Secretary
Pittsburgh Rat Lovers Club & Rescue

[lilspaz68]

Like all antibiotics it can take 2-4 days to show any effect. 
The vaporizer is fine, if he's congested, just like with a sick child.  Keep an eye out for eating and drinking.  You might need to tempt his appetite and he could get dehydrated if he's not drinking enough.

BUT Clavamox alone is not a recommended drug for respiratory issues.

rat guide.com
http://ratguide.com/meds/antimicrobial_agents/clavamox_amoxicillinclavulanate.php

Indications
Used to treat urinary tract infections as well as skin and skin structure infections.

[Siana]

I've had success using Clavulox for respiratory infections, when Baytril and Doxy don't work, however I never use Clavulox on it's on for respiratory infections.  Clavulox is not effective against myco, so I've always used it in combination with Baytril.  I suggest you speak to your vet, and see if you can give him Baytril along with the Clav.  I wouldn't be comfortable using it on it's own.

There are other things you can give him to him with his breathing.  Dexamethasone can help with his breathing by reducing inflammation in his lungs, and a bronchialdilator like Aminophylline  is good for opening up the airways.  All help in aiding with their breathing, when they're struggling.

[simoner2922]

Okay, Just an update. After Less than a week of clavamox, Fatso started to get okay , then took a turn for the worst. so I rushed him to the vet claiming that clavamox (which he advised to use on its own) just wasnt cutting it. He was having trouble breathing, almost looks like convulsing...
Loud breathing. So I rushed him tonight and hes now on the baytril & vibravet (which have always worked before).
Its been several hours & the breathing is still not the best but hes slowly eating some chicken (he could barely walk , stand or eat before). He seems to like being cradled a lot. So i can see myself being up all night. LOL. Like I used to be with me daughter when she was little.
My question is, have we done everything possible for him? Is there more we can do? My heart is breaking, I love him (them) so much. Should I have the vapouriser on? Annd do you think he'll be okay? what other resorts are there ? Steroids? Nebulizers?
Sorry, I've surely asked questions that everyone wouldve asked, but I've no time to search around while my baby boy is sick. Any answers would be appreciated. Thank you for everything so far X

[lilspaz68]

A vaporizer might help, I would say steroids for any lung inflammation but if he has a raging infection there's a risk with the steroid suppressing his immune system.  But if he cannot breathe I would take the chance.  I have my fingers crossed the doxy and baytril work fast and he makes it through this.   

Make sure he's drinking/eating.  If you have to syringe Ensure into him its a good one, he can take it between breaths, and he's getting fluids as well as "food".

Good luck little man!

[scout]

Here's a good article from the Rat Guide about treating pneumonia:

http://ratguide.com/health/lower_respiratory/pneumonia.php

While you're waiting to get in to see the vet, keep him on his new meds, make sure he's getting plenty to drink, keep him warm, and you can put him in the bathroom with you when you shower. The steam from the shower will help loosen the mucus in his lungs so he can cough it out. Lots of folks like to give their rats Ensure to keep their energy up and keep them well hydrated.

[Dazydaizee]

My first rat had chronic respiratory disease that was very severe. Radiographs of his lungs showed almost complete opacity on one side. He was on baytril/doxy for a long time, eventually it stopped working. I went to several vets for second, third, sixth opinions... eventually I went to a vet who put him on Prednisone and Theophylline. I also tried a few albuterol treatments with the nebulizer I bought. He did very well for a few months longer with this treatment. He also was given baby foods and other tasty foods to try to keep his weight up since he was wasting. Eventually I had to euthanize him when he started gasping and oxygen treatments weren't even enough to help anymore. But I believe the pred and theophylline did a lot to help him. Pred acts as an anti-inflammatory and theophylline as a broncho-dilator. It just makes breathing easier, reliving the stress on the body from struggling to breathe.. so basically it could help keep him comfortable even if there's not anything to cure the disease.

[simoner2922]

He's a lil better. Still lathargic. Sleepy. & loves to be held. I can hear his breathing all the way from my room. He's eating & has had some milk. So I guess I'll see ....