Older rat is sneezing/funny noises & older rats in general

I had to treat my rats when very young with Fishmox/Peanut Butter and it worked well. Now they are much older, and I have one doing a sneeze/funny noise like snoring when he is relaxing/asleep. I just ordered some Baytril and Doxy. I've explained many times to my kids that their rats are now +2 years old, and will not last forever, but I want to keep them going as long as possible. They are 2 male rats, about 620 grams. We see our vet (who graduated vet school with a specialty in small animals) twice a week. (She is my kids Taekwondo master). I normally run the advice I get here, by her, and she approves. Any advice for me as far as dealing with older rats that are having issues, and for when to issue a "Do not Resuscitate Order"? Long ago I had burmese pythons and large boas. I can put a rat to sleep in about 1/2 second if required. But these rats are awesome, and I'd like them to live in comfort as long as possible. (They live on Teklad blocks and Oxbow in a Critter Nation cage if that helps)

- Joe

try baytril + azithromycin (10mg/Ib)
and a vet appointment asap with a good vet who has the knowledge and experience to treat rats

When my rats get older and are having respiratory issues I would have them on baytril for life. As for home euthanasia, we don't condone this here as none is humane.

I'm currently messaging our vet, she replies, but she is out of town. Trying to track down a vet during the holidays isn't working well. I've ordered baytril, zithro, and enro to go with my stock of amox. The sick boy is sounding a lot better after just a day of the Amox. I'm glad I blew some $$$ so I'll have a supply of meds going forwards. Can you tell me how long these meds will last? Cool dry place, or in the fridge? I know some don't last long after mixing, but as dry capsules/tablets or such, how long? I had another idea. Back when we bought the rats I had a conversation with the breeder on Hoobly? and as I recall she may have a a lot of meds on hand, and she's close, and still active on Hoobly. This place is great. But maybe I should network a bit more with local rat lovers so we can help each other out when needed. Thank you for the responses. I'll donate $20 or so, just so I won't feel like an info leech..
- Joe

I'd like to discuss euthanasia, but I don't want to make anyone mad. So I'm just not going there. And I did just donate $20
- Joe

I expect there will be an expiry date on any meds you order (& you already mentioned that you know it can be different after mixing).
Far as where & how to keep them it will depend on the med, you can google the med to find out how best to keep it.
Sometimes we need to euthanize, and we each choose the kindest most non-stressful method we can find...

You don't have to donate unless you want to and can afford it … but that was very nice of you
I believe that the people who bought this group from Jorats make money from all the ads (which people can turn off when they join this group)

As others said, the meds should have an expiry date on each. Once mixed, some must be stored in the fridge, others in a dark cupboard - the instruction should be on the package (if they are not, we will try to help)
Some meds are good for 6 days after being mixed, some for 10 days. It should say on the package

I often divide a powdered med in half before mixing it so it will go further.

If your older rats are having issues start a thread about the rats and the issues and I am sure people will be able to give you suggestions

As for when it is time: https://www.ratshackforum.com/threa...narians-advice-on-deciding-if-and-when.35579/

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Regarding humane euthanasia - most vets do not know how to do it properly so rat owners need to be their pet's advocate and make sure it is done correctly - and be with their pet and stroke and cuddle them throughout if at all possible …… btw, an injection into the heart of a conscious rat is so painful that it is illegal in many places.

Humane Euthanasia for Rats: Rats are given the gas/oxygen mix used for surgery, once unconscious to at least a surgical plane (vet needs to test eye reflex and gently pinch the toes), then the rat is injected (I believe it is a lethal injection of a barbiturate, usually in the abdomen or liver) and the rat is kept unconscious by breathing in the gas/oxygen mix until dead. The rat will stop breathing and awhile later their heart will stop, their brain will stay active for awhile. The vet should check for a heart beat several minutes after being unable to detect a heartbeat to make sure ……..
(I always take bodies home so their friends will know what happened and to freeze until I have enough for a private cremation)

This site does "not condone home euthanasia" unless the vet comes to your house to humanely put your rat to sleep. https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/please-read.29217/

I hope this info helps

Thank you for the help. The sick rattie is good now just off the Amox. Soon I'll have Doxy, Enro, and Zithro also. Long ago, over the years, I had 2 Burmese and 4-5 Boas. You couldn't buy frozen food back then. I remember one Burm that was eating 6 rats a week, before I went to rabbits. You don't feed live because the food may harm the snake. So I became good at rat euthanasia. I've probably put 300 or more feeder rats to sleep. It takes less than 1/2 second, and no stabbing them with a needle. It is a very humane thing, but I do not recommend it for pet rats, especially when performed by an amature. I'm an exception because of my past. And no, I will not train anyone to kill rats. Take them to the vet for humane goodbyes. Thank your so much for the information at the "when it is time: https://www.ratshackforum.com/threa...narians-advice-on-deciding-if-and-when.35579/ link!
- Joe