After a Stroke

[Sithraviel]

I dont know if this constitutes an emergency, but I really don't know what to do.

One of my rats recently had a stroke, that was confirmed by our vet, hes lost a fair amount of mobility in his right side and most of his ballance, he can eat but with assistance.

At the time our vet gave us two options we could either have Frank PTS or try him on some pain medication/anti-inferiorities.
We figured he didn't look too bad and still had some quality of life so we put him on the medication.

Its been a few days and he dosn't seem to be getting better, he has to eat with assistance, he cant sit up without rolling, but he is still very happy to come sit with you and just hang out. Hes grown incredably attached to my boyfriend.

He has moments where he seems to be getting better and others where it seems like were being cruel.

I'm one of the first people to admit I don't know a lot about rats, my vets says that i take good care of them but im at a loss with this poor little guy.

Is it time to help him to the bridge?

 

[RatHeaven]

With my boy jones he was like that for three days untill he got better of course he isnt all the way himself but hes getting their ill pray for you and frank

 

[hopefloats]

I can say that watching them pass with a stroke or the after effects is unbelievably hard. My boy had one, within 7 hours he went down hill. I couldnt get to the vet fast enough to help him. My other boy had a few i believe before he started to go downhill. Follow your heart but watch him closely it is a very hard spot to be at. Hugs to you and your little rattie.

 

[SQ]

A steriod + antibiotic may help

 

[Rachael]

Yes, he needs to be on steroids and antibiotics. If he does recover from the stroke then talk to your vet about Vivitonin to help prevent any further strokes. Fingers crossed.

 

[jorats]

I agree with the steroids and antibiotics, some rats have recovered very well after a stroke.

 

[lilspaz68]

He's happy right? You are able to feed him, clean him and keep him happy? Then wait it out. His brain just got scrambled, and his brain's pathways are trying to sort out different ways to get the same things done. It can take awhile. You said anti-inflammatory right? Was it metacam? If so can you talk to your vet about using a steroid instead? It is soo much more effective with stroke patients and can hurry up the process. If your vet is awesome and will take direction, I would put him on antibiotics, get a steroid injection at the clinic, then go home with oral pred for a week.

 

[Godmother]

Like he others have said. Meanwhile, if he is happy, you are not being cruel. I have had a couple of rats who were clearly unhappy. They could not clean themselves, and would fall over trying, and were afraid of being bathed. It was OK on the weekends when I was home, but I did not have the heart to leave them like that all day when I was at work. I did not want them to be hungry and dehydrated.

A couple of times I've had a pair or trio of disabled rats who washed each other, and that was wonderful.

Good luck with your sweetie.