Rats (Rattus norvegicus)
*bedding--->cedar is TOXIC.
-sensitive to sound
-most common disease: Mycyplasma (chronic respiratory disease)
-i have no treatment listed, but since it's a bacteria, antibiotics may be used.
*your best bet is to get it to a vet to get a diagnosis.
*good luck! and rats make great pets!
i've cut and pasted this from a rat disease site fyi:
Pine and cedar shavings are not recommended because, although they smell nice to humans, they contain toxins that may cause upper respiratory infections in rodents.
Diseases
The three most common problems we are presented with here at our hospital are upper respiratory disease, hair loss, and tumors. Upper respiratory in rats is most often caused by the bacteria, Mycoplasma pulmonis. Mycoplasma is very contagious from rat to rat and is incurable. The symptoms include sneezing and runny eyes and nose and if left untreated, can progress into loss of appetite, rough hair coat, and difficulty breathing. Although this disease is not curable, treatment with antibiotics helps alleviate the symptoms and makes the pet much more comfortable. (i believe where there is a will, there is a way, so don't let the word incurable shake you woman!)
**for the record, i'm a vet-tech in training, not a vet, so the best thing is to consult your veterinarian. i am more than happy to direct you to good pet links. netvet's electronic zoo is awesome.