Respiratory problems are one the most common health problems in pet rats. They’re so common that chances are, at least one of your rats will have some in their lifetime. With that said, respiratory illness can become dangerous very quickly for rats, so catching it early and treating it is paramount to their well being.
Like us, rats can suffer from allergies. They’re also especially prone to respiratory disease caused by a bacteria called mycoplasma pulmonis, as well as pneumonia.
Untreated respiratory illness can quickly cause permanent lung damage, so it’s important to spot it as early as possible and take your rats to the vet for treatment.
Happily, respiratory problems are very manageable and don’t need to impair your furry friend’s quality of life if you catch them early enough and treat them. Knowing what to look for ahead of time can help you get early treatment, slow the progression of the disease, and lessen the symptoms so your pet rat can still enjoy a happy and comfortable life.
Causes of Respiratory Problems
In order from most common to least common:
- Allergies: rats are quite sensitive to scented products like certain beddings, scented laundry detergents, and cleaning products. They may also be reacting to air fresheners, room sprays, candles, essential oils and other things in their environment. If you notice sneezing, particularly when your rats play in their bedding or lay in their hammocks, try switching out any scented products to unscented ones.
- Mycoplasma pulmonis: this bacteria is the most common cause of respiratory disease in pet rats. Nearly all rats already have this bacteria in their lungs. It doesn’t always develop into respiratory illness, but stress, sudden changes in their environment, or other illnesses can trigger it.
- Pneumonia: a lung infection that often develops secondary to respiratory illness from mycoplasma. It can be caused by other bacteria as well. Pneumonia in rats is very serious and requires treatment as soon as possible.
- Sendai virus: this virus is quite rare, but very deadly to rats. It can quickly and easily spread through a group. If you or your rats have touched any outside rodents (from a pet store, a friend’s rats, or wild rats) this virus could be a potential concern.
- Bordetella: another rare but very nasty virus that pet rats can catch, that causes respiratory symptoms and distress.
Each of these causes have very similar symptoms (listed below), and need prompt vet care to give your rats the best chance of fighting off infection.
Can I catch a respiratory illness from my rats?
In general, the viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory illness in rodents (listed above) are not the same as the ones in humans. They are not contagious to us, but can spread to other rats.
Rats don’t get the same cold or flu viruses that we do, either. With that said, it may be possible for pet rats to catch Covid-19.
Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Problems
Respiratory problems in rats might be subtle at first. Excessive sneezing is one of the first things you’ll probably notice.
Audible sounds when breathing is another giveaway that your rat has a respiratory issue. You should never be able to hear your rats breathing! If they make a noise with each breath, that’s a sign to take them to the vet.
Other things to look out for:
- Noises like wheezing or coughing
- Your rat seems to be breathing heavily or breathing very fast
- Your rat might show other signs of stress, like:
- Puffed out, spiky fur
- Hunched over posture
- Porphyrin (a rust-coloured stain around the eyes and/or nose)
- Changes in behavior. Not all rats do this, but some may become irritated or aggressive towards you or other rats when they didn’t act this way before.
- Changes in appetite. You might notice your rat eating less than they normally would. This can be a normal part of aging, but accompanied by other symptoms, it could be a sign of illness.
- Simply appears to be struggling or in pain.
If you notice one these symptoms in your rats, take them to a vet as soon as you can. Breathing issues rarely improve on their own (unless they’re caused by an allergy) and they do require medication to get better.
When are breathing problems an emergency in rats?
These are signs that your rat is having serious trouble breathing. They can be extremely stressful for both your rat and you!
- Your rat is gasping for air with their mouth open.
- Your rat is having episodes of respiratory distress throughout the day. They may stop what they’re doing to focus on breathing.
- Appears to be panicking, or lethargic.
- Toes, fingers and tails may turn blue. This is a sign that their body is not getting enough oxygen.
Try to find an emergency vet if it’s late in the evening, or on a weekend. A vet can give them oxygen to help them breathe better, and talk to you about treatment options.
How much sneezing is normal?
Like us, rats do sneeze from time to time when something tickles their nose. But your rat should not sneeze more than a few times a day. If you notice them sneezing a lot, especially while showing other symptoms above, it’s best to get them to a vet.
How to Help your Rats Breathe Better
If you suspect that your rat’s breathing problems might be caused by allergies, you can try switching their bedding, laundry detergent, and the products you use to clean their cage. You can also try keeping the window closed in case their allergies are environmental.
Keeping their cage clean and well-ventilated is one of the key factors in managing respiratory problems, as the build up of ammonia can severely irritate rats’ tiny lungs. Cages with bars are a must for pet rats, as keeping them in aquariums etc. can really aggravate breathing problems.
If you live in a dry climate, increasing the humidity of your rat room has also been shown to help rats breathe better. You could try a humidifier or even just boiling a small pot of water to help moisten the air for them.
Some rats with more severe breathing troubles improve in a steamy environment, like in the bathroom with the shower running. Taking them for a few trips each day to steam can help clear their airways, but it isn’t a substitute for vet treatment!
Exercise, playtime, snuggles with you and with cagemates, lowering stress and a healthy diet can all help keep your rat’s immune system healthy and able to fight off respiratory and other types of infections.
Vet Care and Diagnosis
Respiratory problems in rats typically don’t improve without medication and vet care. The longer that rats go with respiratory problems, the more damage is done to their lungs and the harder it can be to treat.
If your rat is struggling, it’s always best to get them to the vet as soon as you can to get the right treatment plan and to prevent damage to your rat’s respiratory system.
Depending on the cause of your rat’s respiratory troubles, your vet may prescribe antihistamines to help with allergies, or a course of antibiotics to address infections. Common antibiotics used for mycoplasma in rats include enrofloxacin and doxycycline.
Your vet may need to try different antibiotics before they find one that works for your rats, so call them again if you don’t notice improvement within a few days.
Even with antibiotics, mycoplasma can sometimes be an ongoing issue, with many rats developing recurrent respiratory infections. It’s important to keep treating them, and to help keep them as comfortable as possible.
When to consider euthanasia
Rats are extremely good at hiding their illness, and often don’t show any signs of pain or slowing down until they are truly exhausted. Lethargy, disinterest in playtime and refusing to eat are signs that your rat is very ill.
With that said, even at this stage rats can sometimes recover with the right treatment and care. Living a few extra months is a long time in rat years!
Your vet can help you to make an informed decision about whether to continue treating your little friend’s illness.
The decision will likely involve:
- How far the illness has progressed
- Whether your rat has suffered permanent damage
- Potential for treatment
- The age of your rat
- Likelihood of recovery
Conclusion
Respiratory troubles can be scary for rats and rat owners alike. When in doubt, it’s always best to check in with a vet who has experience with rats to give them the best possible chance of recovery and comfort.
With treatment and care, respiratory illness doesn’t have to lower your rats’ quality of life. I wish you all the best in looking after your little furry friends!