Question About Antibiotics

If a sick rat is on antibiotics, can he sometimes get worse before he gets better?

tokiandskwis said:

If a sick rat is on antibiotics, can he sometimes get worse before he gets better?

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Antibiotics generally take 4-5 days before you actually see improvements as it takes that long to build up in the body to fight the infection. So if a rat is on day 2-3 of antibiotics then yes they might get worse. But if they are on days 5-7 and getting worse, you need to reconsider the antibiotics being used or add a 2nd one to more a much more powerful combo.

What's going on?

I took my 3 month old boy Toki to the vet last Tuesday because he was out of character and lethargic, I suspected respiratory issues. He had an xray and a fecal matter analysis and they found a foreign bacteria in the poop. The xray didn't show anything worrisome. The vet prescribed erythromycin twice a day for two weeks to kill the bacteria and he said it should nip any early signs of URI in the bud. Its now sumday and Toki has a small lump/swelling under his chin/neck. I thought maybe lymphnode swelling or something but im just getting so worried now he cant catch a break. He is still eating and drinking but hes on and off when it comes to free range time. He just wants to lay in his hammock. He used to be so outgoing and bubbly :'( hes going back to the vet this wednesday for a check up on his progress.

please post some pictures

Erythromycin is not a normal drug that is a first choice for rats, so might be ineffective. What did the vet say was actually IN his poop, pinworms? Eryth wont help with these natural parasites either.
The swelling under his throat is concerning (possible SDA), and his continued illness.
Where are you located?

I took him to an exotic vet who I was told knows about rats...Im in New Zealand. I am very worried about him and I feel at the mercy of the vets he seemed to gey better but now hes worae. The bacteria was not a parasite theu ruled that out but they didn't tell me what the name was of the bacteria.

Im not able to get pics right now because he just wants to rest in his hammock and panics when i try to pick him up he wont be still for a pic. I'll try get one tomorrow. I can see that the swelling/lump is only on one side, and it is parallel to the ear on the under side of his neck.

OK I think NZ is exempt from our fear of SDA.

Sigh, I think you should call on Monday, ask what the bacteria was, and also tell them that he is still quite sick and possibly worsening, and now has this lump under his neck (could be a lymph node). How do his lungs sound? Is he cooler to the touch?

Thankfully he doesn't sound congested as far as I can tell, hes not really sneezing nor does he have eyes/nose discharge.