How to Stop Your Rat's Congestion

Nearly all pet rats carry a bacterium called Mycoplasma pulmonis that normally lives in the mucosal cells of their respiratory tract. While mycoplasma is typically inactive, in some rats the bacterium causes a respiratory congestion that leads to pneumonia. Clinical symptoms of sneezing, nasal congestion, eye squinting and face and/or ear rubbing increase as the rat ages, according to the Rat Health Guide. As the disease progresses, signs may include ̶0;rattling moist breath sounds, labored breathing, gasping, chattering and coughing.̶1; Because mycoplasma disease is considered chronic, it is important that owners learn how to alleviate the symptoms and keep their pet rats comfortable.

Things You'll Need

  • Medicine dropper
  • Prescribed veterinary antibiotics
  • Respiratory humidifier
  • Towel
  • Clean bedding
  • Heating pad or heating lamp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Have your rat examined by your veterinarian. The vet may take a nasal culture to determine if mycoplasma is causing your pet̵7;s disease and recommend the appropriate medications.

    • 2

      Use a medicine dropper to administer the proper dose of veterinary antibiotics for as long as your veterinarian recommends.

    • 3

      Shelter your rat̵7;s cage by placing it in a warm room away from drafts.

    • 4

      Direct humidified air from a respiratory humidifier into your pet̵7;s cage by tenting both the cage and humidifier with a towel.

    • 5

      Clean the cage and replace bedding daily. The ammonia smell of old urine irritates the rat̵7;s respiratory tract and exacerbates the infection.

    • 6

      Consider separating your rat from his cage mates so he won't have to compete for food.

    • 7

      Place a heating pad or heating lamp set on low in your pet rat's cage, close to the sleeping area, to keep him comfortable.