Sneezing
Over the last few days I have noticed Shy-Shy sneezing quite often. This can be an early symptom of Mycoplasma pulmonis infection - a nasty bacterial infection which, in the later stages can cause scarring of the rat’s lungs and chronic breathing difficulties. Nearly all pet rats carry the bacteria, but not all develop symptoms. The condition can be brought on by stress (such as moving to a new home), other infections, low immune system or poor living conditions. Some rats just seem to develop it whatever you do. Just to be on the safe side I made an appointment for all four rats to see the Vet, for a general check up.
Early Symptoms ( of Upper Respiratory Disease)
Sneezing
Snuffling
Porphyrin staining around eyes and nose (rust coloured mucous, looks like blood-staining)
Head tilt (sign of inner ear infection)
Rolling/falling over to the side (inner ear infection)
Later Stages (of Lower Respiratory Disease)
Rattling noisy breathing
Gasping/laboured breathing
Coughing
Chattering
Poor coat condition
Weight loss/loss of appetite
Hunched posture
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[…] rats and mice (we can’t catch it), which is carried by virtually all pet rats. See my post Sneezing for a brief list of the symptoms of mycoplasma pulmonis. The next evening my guess was almost […]