How to treat a rat's cold? - briefly
Provide a warm, humid environment, keep the rat well‑hydrated, and consult a veterinarian for appropriate antibiotics or supportive medication.
How to treat a rat's cold? - in detail
Rats with upper‑respiratory infections show sneezing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, reduced activity, and loss of appetite. Early identification prevents progression to pneumonia.
Assessment
- Observe nasal secretions; clear fluid indicates mild irritation, yellow or green suggests bacterial involvement.
- Check temperature; normal body heat is 99‑101 °F (37.2‑38.3 °C).
- Palpate abdomen for signs of dehydration.
- Record weight daily; a drop of more than 5 % within 48 hours warrants veterinary attention.
Environmental management
- Keep the cage at 68‑74 °F (20‑23 °C) with low humidity to discourage pathogen growth.
- Provide fresh bedding daily; replace soiled material to limit bacterial buildup.
- Ensure adequate ventilation without drafts.
- Eliminate other sick animals to reduce stress and cross‑infection.
Supportive care
- Offer warm, moist food such as softened pellets, cooked chicken, or baby formula diluted with water.
- Provide fresh water enriched with electrolytes (e.g., Pedialyte at 1 ml per 100 ml).
- Use a humidifier for 2‑3 hours each day to ease breathing.
- Administer a gentle warm compress over the nose for 5 minutes, three times daily, to loosen mucus.
Pharmacological options (under veterinary guidance)
- Broad‑spectrum antibiotics (e.g., enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg subcutaneously once daily) for confirmed bacterial infection.
- Antiviral agents are rarely needed; most viral colds resolve with supportive measures.
- Analgesics such as meloxicam 0.2 mg/kg orally can reduce discomfort and improve intake.
Monitoring
- Re‑evaluate respiratory rate every 8 hours; normal is 70‑150 breaths per minute.
- Record changes in discharge color and volume.
- Adjust fluid intake if urine output declines.
When to seek professional help
- Persistent fever above 103 °F (39.4 °C).
- Rapid breathing, wheezing, or chest crackles.
- Inability to eat or drink for more than 24 hours.
- Sudden weight loss exceeding 10 % of body mass.
Prompt, consistent care combined with a clean environment and appropriate medication increases recovery chances and reduces the risk of severe complications.