Rat sneezing but otherwise fine?

Question

Basically over two weeks ago I bought two male rats, after a few days I noticed one was ill, not eating or drinking and lethargic, I took them to the Vet and they were both put on antibiotics since it was an URI which can be passed on, and he was soon feeling better, but about a week ago I noticed excessive sneezing beginning, I thought It was the bedding (I was using carefresh, which though is meant to be dust free, was actually covered in dust!) so I changed them over to shredded plain paper, he's  eating fine and has put on 60 grams since he's vet visit, he's very active and playing with his brother but he's still sneezing, obviously I'm worried.
 I keep looking for the red mucus stuff around his nose and eyes and don't see any but I'm not sure if that's because he's a very clean little guy.
Is it something in the bedding maybe? Or a cold or allergy? or another URI? 
Should I make another vet appointment?

Alexandra · Accepted Answer

Sneezing has often been a worry of mine through my experience with rats. I used to freak out when I heard my girls constantly sneezing. However, even though your rats have been with you for two weeks, the surroundings are still new, especially since you changed their bedding again. Sneezing is a way rats check out their new surroundings,especially if they are exploring a new place.

I agree, I have mixed feelings about CareFresh. Never really liked it much because of the dust.

Although it's always better to be safe, I would say your rat is in pretty good shape if you can't spot any porphyrin (red mucus) and he is eating and active. Keep a close watch on him; if he stops eating or more importantly drinking, get him to a vet right away. Infections in rats spread rapidly because of their fast metabolism, so a simple cold could turn deadly in a matter of days.

I'm not trying to scare you, simply giving you facts from my own experience. Sounds to me like he's going to be fine! Enjoy them, they're great pets.

? · Answer

Rats will sneeze due to the new smells of were they are now living.. My rat sneezed up to two and a half weeks when i got him. If after awhile maybe a week and a half to two weeks from now and the sneezing is still happening take him back to the vets.

Anna Maria · Answer

Call your veterinary office and speak to the doctor or a technician, they can tell you whether your rat needs to be seen again, needs more antibiotics, or what the correct path to take is.

Cass · Answer

it better to be safe than sorry so Id take them to vet, maybe its still got a little chest infection or something. Its better to get it checked out before it becomes serious.

katie · Answer

Take him to the vet, it might be an allergy to something in the room.

Rat sneezing but otherwise fine?

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