2 problems

[dantheman5420]

Ive noticed that my rat, Lowla, has been itching a little bit more then usual. Ive tried looking on her for fleas and mites but i couldnt find anything. She doesnt have any bald spots or missing hair at all. At least not yet she doesnt. Can it be anything else? Or should i look for anything on her?

The other problem she is having is that she cough's/hiccups/whines every now and then. i dont know what it is if its a cough, hiccup or a whine. what can this be?

Also just to let you know that I am giving her baytril that the vet game me for a ear infection that she has. Ive been giving it to her for like a week.

[JR1030]

1. You can't see mites, but they're pretty common.  If you start seeing scabs, especially around her shoulders/jaw/chin, I'd treat her with Revolution.

2. If she's got an ear infection, she'll need more than Baytril, I believe, and she should be on for up to 6 weeks.  Ear infections are notoriously resistant to treatment.  I'd be surprised if Baytril could clear it up by itself.  It's also common to prescribe a steroid.  See the link below, and read down through "Systemic Treatment".
http://ratguide.com/health/auricle_ear/otitis_media_otitis_interna_labyrinthitis.php

[WS]

An ear infection could also translate to (or result from) an upper respiratory infection - her coughs (hiccups are not as common as coughs) and wheezing are signs that she has some congestion or inflammation in her lungs or upper-airways.   Baytril is effective for this too -- but just as with ear infections, sometimes more than one type of antibiotic is necessary.

As always - your vet will know best, it's a good idea to update them on the coughs and the itchy skin.    He/she can look for parasites as well.

 

[dantheman5420]

I dont have a good vet though she doesnt really know anything about rats. I wouldnt think she has fleas or mites because i mean i have a clean house and my parents have 1 dog. and my mom gives her dog to resist fleas and stuff.

[LastEchoes]

Just because the dog is being treated, doesn't mean rats cant get them. Although mites are not species specific, they're HOST specific, so if dog is being treated they can chose rats as hosts.

Coughs/hiccups are also cause for a concern. My advice to you is to find a vet that treat rats and have him/her look at your rats. And you NEED a rat vet for the future anyway. Females are prone to tumors so there's a very very good chance you'll need a rat knowledgeable vet. Besides, if something happens, you don't want to be running around trying to find a vet when a life is on the line. You should have two vet numbers lined up at all time.

[JR1030]

What kind of bedding do you use?  It's pretty common for mites to come in on bedding.

[dantheman5420]

o really? im using the care fresh ultra