Help with diagnosing Griffy

[LadyGray]

It looks like she's on her way out, but at 1yr 9months it seems too early. She's very unresponsive, can't balance or coordinate well and isn't eating or even moving much. If it's a PT (does it sound like it could be?) then I know I have to get her on pred or dex - what's the full name of these meds? one more thing, lady keeps lying on top of her? is she protecting her or still being a bully?

Does this ever get any easier? :-(

 

[arresai]

Pred = prednisone but I don't know what dex is short for. As for what's wrong, I'll leave that up to those here who have a lot more knowledge and experience. I'm sorry she's not well and I pray she recovers :hugs:

 

[Godmother]

Hope you can get her to a vet. If it is PT, she would need Prednisone (oral) or Dexamethasone (injected by the vet). Because those meds suppress the immune system, it is routine to give an antibiotic at the same time.

If it is something else (e.g. inner ear infection, which can also cause balance probs) the same meds will help.

Good luck!

 

[jorats]

It could very well be a PT or an ear infection as well. I'd get her looked at and probably start predinose and Baytril.

 

[LadyGray]

I think it must be a pt, she can't hold her food or chew probably, though her teeth are still sharp (she thought my finger was a bit of the banana and got me! ouchie). Shall I get her some baby food or porridge or something? we'll get her to the vet asap.

 

[eagle]

Soft foods are fine. Good luck and I so hope it is not PT.

 

[jorats]

I would also get her Ensure or Boost. It's liquid so easy to eat and packed with nutrients.

 

[LadyGray]

Very confused! Griff looked like she was on her way out - couldn't eat and could barely move...but this lasted barely a day! very very relieved obviously, but what was up with her? she's been her old chirpy self ever since! very strange

 

[jorats]

Some rats have off days or maybe she was experiencing pains. Thank god she's better now.

 

[LadyGray]

Hmm, it wasn't long after her op, maybe it was from that. And I know! i'm so amazed and grateful

 

[ChrisK]

I'm glad Griffy is doing better! Phew!

How long since the surgery was it? I wonder if it could have been related?.. that is .. still recovering from surgery?

 

[mamarat]

I'm so glad your girl is doing better.

 

[LadyGray]

Thanks

well, that's the thing, she was running around being her usual self immediately after surgery, and was fine for days after as well, so it seemed odd that the wound would suddenly start hurting. I just can't think of anything else it could have been, though. I guess, as my boyfriend keeps telling me, I'm just a worrier and keep assuming the worse! i'd be terrible if I ever had kids, lol.

 

[LadyGray]

Hmm, think I have a clue as to what might have happened. Today Griff started hiccuping, her ears, eyes and head were twitching at the same time, this lasted for about 30 seconds. Now it's stopped, she's acting very withdrawn and similar to how she was acting when I started this thread. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

 

[mamarat]

I wonder if it could be seizures?

 

[LadyGray]

Definately looks like that to me. Are they common in Rats? do you think there's there anything we can do?

 

[LadyGray]

She looks really bad :-( I may have to get her to the vet. let me know what you all recommend so I can help the vet out it's tricky because obviously she was fine after a day last time, it might just look bad right now.

 

[mamarat]

I'm so sorry, I really don't know what to say. Jax was really tired after his and coudn't move his left side for a while. But it didn't last too long. He did get PT later on.

 

[LadyGray]

Thanks for your care MamaRat : - ) I'm guessing there's not a lot we can do? i'll see how she recovers from this one. She's being a strong girl right now. I'm just trying to read how exactly she's feeling so I know what to do. She might just be tired and a little shaken up at the mo. She is having trouble moving, though, same as last time, before the miraculous recovery!

 

[mamarat]

My vet told me Baytril can cause seizures in certain rats. What meds is she on?