Murine Influenza Pneumonia Symptoms
Murine influenze and murine pneumonia are two health conditions that affect rats and mice. Murine influenza, also referred to as the Sendai virus, is a highly contagious respiratory virus that affects hamsters, mice and rats. Murine pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation of the airways and lungs in rats and mice.. Murine pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, a virus or fungal infection, parasites or exposure to a chemical irritant.
Both murine influenza and murine pneumonia show similar symptoms. It's important to investigate these symptoms and implement appropriate treatment of the infected animal.
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Breathing Difficulties
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Rats infected with murine influenza or murine pneumonia may breathe rapidly or have labored breathing. Labored breathing is signified by the use of the abdominal muscles in order to breathe. Rats may also wheeze, gasp or sneeze. Nasal or chest congestion may also be present.
Porphyrin
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Porphyrin is an organic compound that is produced in all mammals. Overproduction of porphyrin indicates poor nutrition, stress or illness and it appears as a rust-colored stain around the nose and eyes.
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Appetite Changes
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A sick rat may eat poorly or have a complete loss of appetite. Some rats, particularly those infected with murine influenza, may even develop anorexia.
Poor Posture
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The infected rat may have a hunched posture, due to breathing difficulties or the development of tumors. He may lay down frequently and be reluctant to exercise or even go over to his food and water dishes. A head tilt may also present itself if there is a secondary ear infection present. General lethargy is common.
Behavioral Changes
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A sick rat may exhibit panicked movements, due to not being able to breath easily and get enough oxygen into the lungs. Avoidance issues and sudden aggression (nipping, biting, scratching) may also occur.
Pregnant females may prolong their pregnancies, which may or may not result in the survival of the resulting litter.
Complications
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If left untreated, the symptoms that murine influenza and murine pneumonia cause can lead to the infection spreading to the blood stream, which could lead to further infections or death. Empyema (pus-filled fluid) and abscesses can develop in the lungs, and pleural effusion (the buildup of the fluid that lubricates the membranes in the throat and lungs) can also occur.
If your animal shows signs of murine influenza or murine pneumonia, contact your veterinarian right away.
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