Update on Rats and Vet Visit

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ratmama

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So, I ended up at a different vet than I'm used to because he agreed to see all three of them for a cheaper price than I usually pay to just see one and my usual vet could not see Arty until next Monday. I feared that without care soon her simple URI would progress to pneumonia and because of that I think I've made a big mistake, the veterinarian was a very nice, very old man, but I think it may be time for him to consider retiring, and I don't think he has as much experience with rats as my usual vet. All three of my ratties were diagnosed with URI's, I'm not surprised, as the breeder and independent pet-store I got them from had been keeping them in aquariums. He gave me Baytril, however, it is in tablet form. The tablets were already cut in to fourths, and he told me to split them in three and give one piece to each rat for 8 days then come back and see him again. He couldn't tell me the exact milligrams of the Baytril, though he assured me that he measured the dosages out while he was filling the prescription. I know I will have to crush the tablets, split it in to three piles, and mix it in to applesauce to get my girls to take it. My question is, has anyone else been given tablets instead of liquid? And could anyone give me an estimation of the milligrams I am giving to my girls before I go at this all willy nilly? I can provide pictures of the tablets, but as I said, they were given to me pre-cut and the numbers on them are compromised because of it. While the prices were good(I only paid 25$ in total, it was quite the steal) and he seemed to enjoy treating my rats, I don't think I will be going back there.
 
This is pretty much impossible without knowing the strength of the pills as amount given is based on weight.
But perhaps Lilspaz68 might be willing to make a guess

That vet might be ok if he iu willing to take suggestions or do research .... He might have injectable baytril you could give orally and might write a prescription to a pharmacy for antibiotics such as azithromycin (10 mg/Ib) - you could ask.

You might try contacting your regular vet and asking for baytril + a prescription for azithromycin (10 mg/Ib) to treat them over the next few days until the vet can see them if they will not give you an appointment within the next day or two ... remind them that rats get ill and die fast
 
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Even when a tablet is carefully cut up, the pieces can be quite different sizes. They are going to get inconsistent dosages. Will it matter? Maybe yes, maybe no...

I get injectable Baytril that I give orally. It is very easy to give a precise dose when you use a 1cc syringe (it measures out to the 0.01ml)
Do you think if you called this vet's office back, they would give you the liquid? If you said you couldn't cut it equally, or you couldn't get them to eat it?
 
When I was in the office I asked him if he had the liquid, as I'd never heard of anyone giving their rats a pill. His reply was that he doesn't often deal with small animal respiratory problems, so he doesn't mess with or have the liquid. He assured me that the doses were equal and were enough if crushed and divided equally. I am worried about inconsistent dosage, and I did ask my vet if he would write me a prescription, he said he couldn't without seeing the rats. I saw quite a few patients in the office when I went in today, so I trust this vet's judgement, as he seemed to have quite a few loyal customers who greeted him happily. I'm just worried about my own handling of the medicine and the situation.
 
No matter how skilled or respected the vet was, it is unreasonable to expect someone to accurately deliver medicine in that fashion. This is 2015, and there is no need of it.
I would eye-ball it as best you can, and get in to see your regular vet ASAP.
 
I will call my vet tomorrow and let him know the exact situation. In the meantime, is there anywhere I can buy Baytril or Doxycycline online? I'd like to have some around the house, and if I can buy in a bigger quantity online then I would like to try that.
 
Unfortunately they are only available by prescription from your vet. Once you develop a relationship with your vet they might be comfortable enough to sell you baytril to have on hand in case of emergencies.
 
My vet let me come in today and show him what I was prescribed. He helped me to measure out the doses to last me until Friday and has bumped my appointment to then. My question now is, what kind of side effects should I expect? My babies seem to be very sleepy, but still willing to play and eat if I get their attention.
 
I have not seen any side-effects from meds, so if they are lethargic, it is probably because they are sick.
Theoretically they could get diarrhea fro the antibiotics, but Baytril is pretty well tolerated.
 
They are not lethargic, per say. Still playing and eating and excited to see mommy and daddy. They are just sleeping a little more than usual. I think their bellies might be upset so I started giving them a little more unsweetened applesauce and I am going to buy some soy yogurt tomorrow.
 
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