"loud" breathing - any ideas? **UPDATE**

[JuliaR]

Hello -

One of my boys, Lenny,  (year old dumbo male) has started to breathe...loudly.  I first noticed it yesterday evening, and it is still happening today.  I'm not sure how to describe the sound, not really a 'clicking' sound, but more of a groan-ish noise...

He is also not as active as he normally is - when I open the cage door instead of being front and center looking for a treat, hehangs back and just looks a little wary about ocming out.  Also, the noisiness is not all the time, such as now, when he is sleeping, I don't hear anything.  But when he is awake and moving around, or awaks and just sitting there, I hear it almost from across the room (at least from 4-ish fet away!).

I am calling the vet first thing in the morning, but was curious if anyone else has seen similar symptoms and some suggestions on what might be going on.

He lives with his brother, and his brother is not experiencing anything like this at all, so I don't think it is bacterial (could be wrong though - fingers crossed!).

Thanks!

[*CARRIE*]

I wish I could help more... maybe home treat him for an Upper Respiratory Infection as much as you can without medicating him? Like put his cage in the bathroom & steam it up.
Carrie

[JuliaR]

Good idea

I just want to do what I can to make him more vcomfortable / help him get better until I can get him into the vet - thanks!

[rattiesaremylife]

I agree with Carrie. It could be a respiratory infection, but like Carrie said try putting him a the bathroom and steaming up the room. If that doesn't work make sure to contact your vet ASAP to find out what the problem is.

[mandycoot]

Let us know how the vet visit went!

[JR1030]

You need to take him to the vet...whenever a rat starts grunting when he's trying to breath, in my opinion, that needs meds and he won't get better without them.  Good luck!

[JuliaR]

Hi all!

Just wanted to give a semi-late update on Lenny.

Vet took a chest film to be certain, but it looks to be upper respitory infection (good job Carrie!).

They gave him a nebulization treatment (I cannot for the life of me remember what they said they gave him in that)  and put him on Doxy and Baytril - 21 day supply with a refil on the perscription just in case it is determined he needs to be on the meds longer.

Now I just play the waiting game - for Lenny to get better and to hope his cagemate (brother - Trotsky) doesn't come down with the same ailment.

Thanks to all for your support / suggestions!