Getting on a bit

[ryelle]

I've been having a clear out today - going through old documents etc. and I came across the 'receipt' from when I got my Sid (It was more of a deposit slip. He was quite an expensive little fella). I thought he was only 15 months old, but it turns out hes 21 months old! :shock:

He seems healthy, although i am considering booking a general check-up for him (its been over about a year since he had a vet run). He's had a lot of Porphyrin around his nose lately, but his breathing seems fine. He is overweight at 640g. He hit 750g at one point and the vet advised me to try get him to 600g, but he seems stuck at around 640g. He doesn't have a lot of mobility/flexibility in his back end now. He drags his hind legs out of the hammock instead of stepping out. He has ramps to all levels and the cage is arranged so he has access to every part with ease (it's been like that a while because he can't climb or jump). He isn't so interested in coming out of the cage either.

I've recently got my two boys together. Patrick is crazy and only around 4 months old, and i'm wondering now was it such a good idea putting them together now i've realised how old Sid actually is?

Also, with him losing a bit of use of his back end, what do i do? Should i try and persuade him to exercise a bit more to lose some more weight so it isnt putting as much strain on his legs, and to try build up some musclemass... or do i leave him be and try make life even more easier for him? (Don't quite know what else i could do though)

I had my last rat until he was 2 years old, and he didn't really get "old" until something happened to him and he became disabled (He went from being perfectly healthy and young-like to not being able to walk - over the space of 24hours). So this is all new to me, so i need input please Anything will help

 

[PiedPiper]

I don't have any advice with regards to building up muscle mass in Sid's hind end, but I do think it's a wonderful idea that you've successfully intro'd your two boys regardless of Sid's advanced age as I always think it's best for a rattie to have a friend. Hopefully someone with much more experience will come along with some advice for you.

Cheers!

 

[Moon]

It may be time for Sid to have a diet

There is a chance that Patrick will actually help Sid stay young for a while longer, and some play may encourage Sid to move around some more and lose some weight! But, some oldies get really bothered by younger guys so you should watch their dynamic closely. Often it's recommended to have two younger guys in with and oldie, that way there is a playmate for the youngns when the elderly want to sleep.

 

[ryelle]

It's been ticking in my mind that i should get another baby for Patrick to go crazy with (I WANT ANOTHER BUBBY *secret excitement* :happydance: :bunnydance: ). He runs up to Sid and fluffs the fur up on Sid's face with his little hands when he goes crazy. He looks for a reaction but Sid just sits there. I laugh so bad. Hm, im unemployed at the mo, and id get THE biggest lecture off my family about money and time etc. I got one about Patrick and i don't even live with them!!

I've just put the boys on some lab blocks instead of the grain mix stuff, so that might help his weight.
I originally got Patrick to help Sid. And it worked!! He started running around and he seems a lot more active (and happy maybe?) now, and Patrick is the reason Sid lost the 100g in the first place. He was just piling it on until Patrick came home.

Would the exercise help with the hind end degeneration? Also its hard to get him moving, and the stairs don't work for him anymore, and he free-roams for about 10 minutes then crawls back in his cage. I've got a rat wheel along with some other toys getting delivered sometime this week but i think Sid will just point and laugh at it. :giggle:

 

[jorats]

Sid is getting up there but he can have many more months still. Adding Patrick might have revitalized him some too. But adding another baby might be just the thing that Patrick needs and Sid too. As for a diet, I wouldn't do it, not at 21 months of age, just cut back on any sugar or high protein treats. You could try giving him extra veggies too.

 

[ryelle]

I thought a diet and exercise regime might be a bit ummm because he is getting on a bit. I'm just a bit shocked at how much older he is than i originally though. I have a plan!!!! :happydance: I'll tell my boyfriend i would like another rat as a birthday present! That way, nobody can complain It's my 21st birthday in February so it is a 'special one'... so i should be able to get anything that i want, right? :wink:

Anyone got any ideas on a low sugar, low protein treats? The only kind of treats the shops sell here are milk buttons, or things with peanuts in. They are getting a fair bit of fruit and veg lately compared to the very little they got before (im being a good mummy). DAMNIT i just thought i could make some plain biscuits (no sugar, bit of vanilla escence, very little or no milk) but my oven isnt fixed yet. Unreliable Landlords :redhot: