I have a Question about sneezing!

[Rat Mom]

Ok, new problem.  My female is very sneezy and sounds sometimes like she is "hicupping".  What is this all about?  The store had her in pine.  I have her in Carefresh.  Suggestions??? Comments???  Thank you!

[Marybelle]

Sounds like an upper respiratory infection.  I'd get her to a vet and get her on some antibiotics.  She needs to go soon, as these things can progress quickly in little ones.  Good luck!

[Suebee]

I wouldn't wait any longer, either. Get her to the vet ASAP.

There are rats that are sensitive to CareFresh. It's a great product, but not for every rat. This may be part of the problem, but I would let the vet see her, first.

[Rat Mom]

Ok, here are some more symptoms....She sneezes more when I hold her and makes those sounds.  Is she alergic to me??

[Suebee]

I don't know. I need more information...

Do you smoke?
Do you wear perfume?
Is your detergent fragranced?

[Rat Mom]

I don't smoke, wear perfume and no fabric softner in clothing.  I too have alergies.  I am thinking it might be the carefresh.  She is not constantly doing it.  Only when she gets moving around fast in her cage or when I hold her.  The litter mate has none of these symptoms except for random sneezing.

[Nellybird]

It could be that they're allergic to the Carefresh, it has a tendency to be rather dusty. Maybe you could try aspen?

[Rat Mom]

I'm thinking that's what it might be.  I just changed the litter box today so I will woit until it needs to be changed again.  I called the vet clinics in town and they do not deal with rats.  Let's hope it is just dust!

[Yresim]

You really do need to find a vet as soon as possible.  

You should call around and find a vet that does treat rats.  Even if it is a drive, it is important to know where to go when your pet needs help.  

It's just like having the hospital number (for humans) on the fridge or next the the phone - it is important.

See how they are doing tomorrow (Tuesday).  If she is still sneezing at all, you should take them to the vet.  Do not wait, as these things can progress and the worse they get the harder they are to treat.  

[Anna]

That sneeze is often a form of pneumonia, which can progress rapidly, causing lung damage and eventually suffocating the rat to death.
She needs a vet, very very soon, or you may not be able to help her.
Anna

[Mother of Eleven]

If it is the bedding, I have had very good luck with cloth.  No more sneezing.  I tear it into 3"X8" strips.  I tried plain flat cloth, but they seem to like the strips best, they can move them around and build nests.  I also have litter boxes to help keep the cloth bedding clean, they use them about 99% of the time.

[Rat Mom]

I think I know what is going on!  I forgot!  My husband has been using dryer sheets in our dryer lately!  He has been doing the laundry.  I decided to smell my clothes and there is a hint of dryer sheet smell in them.  I have been observing her for the past 24 hours and she only sneezes when she gets up on my shoulder and on my clothing!  Otherwise, she has not been sneezing except when the two of them get rough housing and kick up the bedding.  I think I am going to go try to find some aspen bedding or do the cloth thing.  You said litter?  If they eat that isn't that clay?  Does that build up in the digestive tract?

[Suebee]

When we say "litter," we don't mean cat litter. I guess "bedding" would be a more appropriate term, even though it acts as litter.

Never use clay-based or clumping cat litters for rats.

You may be on to something with the dryer sheets... I never use them, myself, because the fragrances bother me. The rats benefit from MY fragrance sensitivity!