Cookie: sudden decline PT? Heart? She is gone :(

[Godmother]

My Cookie just turned two, and she got a clean bill of health at the vet's two weeks ago, so I had no concerns about her. Last night, when I went to the cage, she didn't come running up with the others. She was huddled in a nest box. Her fur was a bit puffy, she felt cool to the touch, and she was lethargic. Her respiratory rate was higher than usual. I brought her down to the playpen to observe her more. She must have been feeling breathless, because she climbed as fast as she could to get on top of the hammocks, and she was heaving for breath after she got there. I didn't know whether she had a respiratory infection (like Kris does) because I could not hear anything amiss in her breathing.

I got some baby cereal with Ensure down her, and she seemed hungry, even though she took a while to eat. Eventually I gave her the same antibiotics the boys are on (Baytril/Doxy), in case that was the problem.

Then, after putting her back in the cage, I was patting her again. Three times she gave me a strong head butt (vertical). Now I am thinking PT.

I can't get an appt til 7pm, so any suggestions are welcome.

 

[jorats]

When you hold her up there's no sounds in her chest to indicate URI? If that's the case, the next step I would assume is heart related and then PT, unless you see more symptoms suggesting PT.
It's so quick in rats to become sick...

 

[Godmother]

I am so worried by her limpness and by the vigor of her head butt. I am going to get her out now for a cuddle and a bit of food.

 

[Dahlas]

I hope she will be okay. That is the worst thing with rats...how they can look so good and then all of a sudden......give Cookie a cuddle and kiss from me....

 

[Kimber]

Poor cookie At least she's got a good mum who is worried about her.

 

[Godmother]

It is lucky that I got sick, so I am home with her all day.

No more head butting, but her resp rate is twice her normal. She is fairly limp, and she won't take food off my finger. All effort goes into breathing, except the occasional groom. I can now hear little whistly noises; her nostrils are flared. Tried ventolin puff & moist air, now just holding her. She might feel safer in the cage with her friends. She was on top of one of MaryCayden's comfy hammocks.

 

Hugs for you and your girl!

 

[Godmother]

She's been back in the cage for a while, lying with her chin propped up on a little cloth. I put in a Snuggle Safe close to her in case she needs warmth. Nobody is in snuggling with her the way they were overnight. She still won't take any food from my finger. Hoping for a cancellation at the vets before 7pm.

 

[Godmother]

She's on top of the Snuggle Safe, which is wrapped in a soft fleece hammock, so I am glad that she's got something to make her more comfortable.

 

[mamarat]

Poor Cookie. hugs

Vet told me PT can also present as difficulty breathing. Fingers crossed she'll get better.

 

[Godmother]

Cookie died a few minutes ago, not long after what appeared to be a seizure. I think that it was PT, but I am not sure. She didn't make it to her vet appt.

 

[Kimber]

aww, I am so sorry Godmother You kept her comfy and warm right to the very end. *hugs*

 

[eagle]

I am so sorry Godmother you keep her warm and loved. RIP little one. :heart:

 

[Moon]

It could have been PT that didn't present itself until it was advanced. I'm sorry Godmother

 

[mamarat]

If it was a bleeding PT they go very fast. I'm so sorry, Godmother. RIP little one.

 

[temblabamomo]

Oh dear :hugs: I am very sorry. I'm glad she could be at home and with you where she was comfortable at the end.

 

[momofmany]

:hugs: so sorry!

 

[Ollie]

:sad3: :sad3: :sad3:
Wow what a sad say for Shackers today. Every rattie run free and hard at the bridge together. :hugs:

 

[hopefloats]

So sorry for your loss...... :sad3:

 

[toeberto]

I'm so sorry. It happens so fast sometimes.

Sarah
http://bentorats.blogspot.com/