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Why is my young rat gasping, sneezing, and struggling to breathe?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Male | unneutered

My pet rat, quite young still, is gasping occasionally (no drool), making weird noises in sync with breathing, grunting noises, and when she breathes it seems as though she is fighting to get a breath, she also sneezes quite often, mostly in sets. She also has a few tiny little bumps on her ears that I've never seen before. I have recorded a video but I don't know if I can upload it, thank you in advance!

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 26th, 2017

Hello. Poor Oreo sounds as if she has a pretty severe respiratory infection, very common in young rats. I would suggest having your veterinarian examine her & start an appropriate antibiotic. Waiting could result in permanent lung damage. I hope she is feeling better soon. Take care.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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