Title: Respiratory Issues
Headings: 
Respiratory issues
Bacterial Infection – Myco
Bacterial infection – Pasturella
Bacterial infection – Other
Viral infections
Lung Abscessing / consolidation
Preventative Measures – Respiratory Issues
What to expect from the Vet – Respiratory issues
More Information

Content: The most commonly seen is caused by CK (corynebacterium kutscheri), this is an infection which may be endemic or is at least common in rats. It is opportunistic, hitting hard when a susceptible rat goes through a period of intense stress (such as an introduction, surgery etc.). Its characterised by lung consolidation and silent but heavy abdominal breathing (the pus involved is thick and cottage cheese like so does not sound wet). The chest often feels firmer and more solid, though this is something that’s hard to judge if you haven’t felt it before. The symptoms are very similar to a lung tumour. Treatment is difficult as it’s hard to penetrate consolidation, some people have seen success with Septrin or Amoxycillin, and some have found that the rat is better left to recover alone. There is a high chance that the rat won’t recover and will either pass on its own or need putting to sleep, once the lung consolidation has gone so far it can be difficult or impossible to reverse. Preventative Measures – Respiratory Issues
One of the biggest things you can do to help avoid rats suffering from respiratory issues is to actually select rats from a line with minimal issues. Of course this is not always an option, and it would be wrong to ignore rescue rats in need because they might have respiratory problems. There are lots of methods which can help you minimise the risks or effects of respiratory infections.