ill rat

[SQ]

Took Adam (was 2 yrs on July 8 ) to the vet today.
He has been on clavamox. As of today he is also on baytril.
His breathing is laboured, he is wheezing a bit, very pale ears and feet, and dehydrated. He has lost 40 grams in the last month or two.
I got some fluids into him and he has had the meds twice today.
Not doing well tonight.
Lots of effort to breath, not interested in peas, watermelon, baby ceral, etc. Not moving around much .. just breathing.
Spoke to vet on call for the city. She doesn't know much about rats ...
Gave him 0.04 cc of lasix about an hour ago ... Will get more fluids into him again soon.
Probably going to head into the shower ... he isn't gasping or anything .. yet. Humidity level in my apartment is 62%
Tried a bit of dark chocolate but he wouldn't take it.

Plan to go back to the vet in the am.

Any ideas???

 

[jorats]

Oh Holly, how is Adam this morning? Could it be his heart? If he's on lasix, I wonder if Enalapril would help as well?

When my dog got very sick, he became very pale as well. He was not processing protein, so it was one of three things, kidney failure, liver failure or swollen colon. He was put on prednisone and he's so much better today.
I wonder if your little guy might have kidney disease, it's suppose to be common in rats. Do you see him drink and/or pee a lot?

 

[lilspaz68]

From what I am reading these days lasix can be used as a diagnostic tool for CHF, but if the rat improves on the lasix than enalapril must be added.

First thing I thought of was CHF and kidney failure (which is an inevitable sign of aging). Poor Adam.

This discussion is going on with Lise (an RS member) and OP.
http://www.goosemoose.com/component/opt ... msg4256295

 

[jorats]

The thing is, lasix can also help with lung disease so just because your rat starts to get better on lasix, doesn't mean it's the heart, it can also mean fluid on the lungs.
Also, lasix and Enalapril is a palliative measure, not a treatment for the actual problem.
My vet has told me that most of the time, in rats, heart failure is a "symptom" of their lung disease. So you have to continue with trying to treat the lung disease or the heart will not "recover".

 

[lilspaz68]

The thing is, lasix can also help with lung disease so just because your rat starts to get better on lasix, doesn't mean it's the heart, it can also mean fluid on the lungs.
Also, lasix and Enalapril is a palliative measure, not a treatment for the actual problem.
My vet has told me that most of the time, in rats, heart failure is a "symptom" of their lung disease. So you have to continue with trying to treat the lung disease or the heart will not "recover".

Oh I just assumed this treatment was on top of antibiotics? People just use the 2 drugs on their own?

Its all pretty new to me.

 

[jorats]

I'm not sure if they would use the two heart meds on their own without abs, but just in case, I wanted to add that they may still have lung disease and so treating that would be just as important.

 

[RatsForever]

How is Adam? Did you once mention that you thought Adam was drinking a lot? Could be kidneys...

I'll be sending positive and healing thoughts your way!

 

[SQ]

Thanks,
just got up as I have been up and down all night.

Gave him lasix I had here even tho I shouldn't have (dehydration)because from the way he was breathing I was afraid his lungs are full of fluid.
He is very dehydrated and breathing requires a great deal of effort but better than last night. He took some fluids a few mins ago by licking it off my finger.

Adam shares a cage with his two brothers Monroe and Noah as well as Lyman. Don't know how much he is drinking and peeing but this group consumes much more water than other rats and pees a great deal.
I going to call the vet and I will ask about kidney disease. No exotic vets in this prov. .... so any ideas would be helpful.

 

[lilspaz68]

Awww poor old guy.

I found this...
http://www.2ndchance.info/ratkidney.htm

And this one is my favourite
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_ch ... ilure.html

Explains the whole thing well and the tests etc.

 

[Godmother]

thanks for the web sites. All sorts of new info there. I hadn't thought about the anemia because of low erythropoetin output.

Poor Adam; it seemed to get worse very suddenly. I am also wondering whether kidney failure is part of Rhonda's health problems. She suddenly lost weight the last three weeks, despite the extra calories from medication, and her paws are very pale.

SQ, I'll be thinking of you & Adam this afternoon.

 

[mamarat2]

Going to check the three kids at my house who drink water like mad for paleness, they have always consumed large amounts though, and are not thin or losing weight.

 

[jennifervb]

does your regular vet know more about rats than the vet you spoke with?

I hope your little loved one comes through this ok!!! I have asthma so I know how it is when you can't breathe. You don't want to do anything... you don't want to eat, drink or do anything other than concentrate on getting air.

Fortunately, my asthma is mild so I have very little trouble with it. It is, however, good that I have my medications. I read on Debbie Ducummon's website that rats can be given asthma inhalers to help expand the bronchial tubes.

If I could, I would send you a dispenser of Albuterol! If my little guys ever suffer from respiritory distress, they will land in a paper bag with a few puffs of my albuterol!

Please keep us posted! I am actively united with your little fur face. I know how it feels and it is anything but pleasant.

 

[SQ]

Adam was humanely put to sleep by the vet this afternoon. He died peacefully in my arms.
He had kidney failure ... didn't want our sweet boy to suffer any longer .... he was feeling pretty awful.

Thank you all for your info. and comments

 

[mamarat]

I am so sorry, SQ. :tearful:

 

[Fidget]

Aw, I'm so sorry :cry:
He sounded like an awfully sick little guy.
He's comfy now, and I'm glad he left in your loving arms.

Kisses to you Adam.

 

[Melissa]

I'm sorry. :rose:

 

[ratamataz]

I'm so sorry you lost Adam. :rose:

 

[LA]

(((HOLLY))) my thoughts are with you.

 

[lilspaz68]

Aww Holly, I am sorry! Sweet Adam is flying with the angels now. :heart:
I am glad he didn't suffer and you let him go. (((hugs)))

 

[jorats]

Oh no... Holly, you do so much for your sweeties.. I'm so sorry.