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Rats and Mycoplasmosis..suggested treatment?? - (Jun/09/2009 )

Hello!

I have come here in a desperate attempt to find solutions to treating mycoplasma infections in rats. I am hoping someone here may have some suggestions or advice! :)

I am a caretaker of four male rats ranging between the ages of 2 years to 9 months who have been suffering with myco flare-ups off and on throughout their lives. I have treated them with weeks of baytril/doxy combo, as well as zithromax alone and along with the baytril/doxy combo at the first signs of sneezing and wheezing. My two older boys have significant lung damage despite treatment :( . My two younger boys I believe are doing well, but I have been trying to find solutions to help prevent flare-ups or stop/reverse any damage that may be occurring even without symptoms. I have currently taken a difference approach and have been trying different supplements such as Co-enzyme Q-10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, salmon oil and have considered starting my most cronic boys on N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (does anyone know a safe dosage for N-Acetyl L-Cysteine for rats? They are 670 grams and 560 grams).

I am hoping someone could give some advice or suggestions on how to better treat this awful mycoplasma, as I have become so desperate. :(

Thank you VERY much for taking the time to read this, and thank you for any replies that follow! Your feedback is very much appreciated and I could not thank you enough!!!

- Debbie

-DMihos-

Hi there,

I really hate to be the bearer of bad news, but unfortunately Myco seems to be incurable. In the past we have used antibiotic treatment in the water routinely for one week each month to reduce symptoms.

Normally when this gets into rat colonies, the animal facilities either live with it or cull the colony. Putting rats on a permenant treatment regime is not conducive to good research.

Some other suggestions I would give is to reduce any draft, reduce any dust in either bedding or food, and if you have any luck using the supplements please let me know as I would be very happy to try as well.

Good luck with your boys, I hope they all shine through

-Animaniac-