Big issue! One gone and one crooked

[Whipple]

Yesterday and this morning before I left everything was fine. All the girls were running around as usual and eating and drinking fine.
I came home tonight and after I had sent off an email about them, I checked on them before planning on going to sleep. I didn't see Darla, so I checked under blankies. And she was lying there dead. :shock: She hadn't been there long, I could tell that much. And then I looked closer at Ethal and she was walking with her head all tilted! These two were always fighting, and apperently while I was gone they had a big scrap. These two came to me together, and their little scraps were nothing to be worried about. Everyone else is fine btw, eating and drinking and whatnot.
I don't know what to make of it. It scares the bejeezes outta me. And I'm sad, my pretty little girl is gone.
I do not know what to think. I'm just tired and sad. I cuddled Ethal (crooked one) and she seemed a little shook up, but was fine after a few minutes. And everyone else is perfectly fine. Ethal is older, she is probably over a year old, at least. And she has always been a bit thin, but has gotten better since I got her.
Sorry if I'm repeating myself, but I'm in shock. It just baffles me, there's no wounds or blood or anything. What could've happened?

 

[Willow Bean]

I don't have any advice for you other than to say that I am very, very sorry for your sudden loss!! I hope that you are doing alright

 

[user 78]

With Ethal being tilted, it seriously sounds like she has an inner ear infection. She needs to get on abs quickly, a strong combo such as Baytril/Doxy will help kick the infection. If there's no improvement, you and your vet can discuss trying another Baytril combo such as Baytril/Clavamox. If you can get her an anti inflammatory quickly, it may help with her tilt by decreasing the swelling.

I seriously doubt Darla died from a fight. If she had been in a fight, you would have seen some wounds, or at the very least blood on her fur. Ethal also would have some sort of indication that they had fought. It sounds like you have some sort of bacteria/virus going through that she couldn't handle, or maybe that she's had for a while and it finally got the best of her. Rats are prey animals, and they hide their symptoms as long as possible. By the time we notice anything being off, it's pretty late in the game.

Have you introduced any new rats recently that you didn't properly quarantine? Handled any new rats that may have been ill? Any interaction with other rodents could be suspect. SDA and other serious infections are a very big concern with sudden deaths such as this.

 

[AlexandraBoo]

Yes sounds like she has a ear infection, get her on antibiotics. As for the other one,, that is just weird.... how old was she?

 

[jorats]

I'm so sorry Whipple.

I agree with java, I don't think it was due to a fight, unless you have a seriously aggressive rat.

I'd get Ethal to a vet asap.

 

[MumsyRat]

I'm very sorry for the sudden loss of your dear little Darla! :cry:

Losing one of your babies suddenly is very sad and traumatic but unfortunatley it is something that just happens. Just like people sometimes die suddenly before their time, so it is with rats also.

Hope Ethel feels better soon!