Is my rat sick?

[nightmarevamp]

I posted something similar yesterday but now it's the next day and I am worried a little. My boy Theif seems lethargic and not sure or not but feels slighly cool to the touch? He's just not acting like himself and is sleeping a lot, and isn't bothered being touched or handled. Not the he minded before be he'd rather explore and run.

His hair is a little puffy. Is this like a cold like humans get will this just pass? His eyes, nose are fine so are his ears. I cant feel any lumps and he hasen't eaten anything weird.

Any help? Or info?

 

[jorats]

I'd definitely see a vet. You have Dr. Munn in Toronto, a great rat vet.

 

[lilspaz68]

Listen to his lungs? Lift his side to your ear and listen to his lungs, both sides. Listen for anything other than the whoosh of air in and out and his heart beat...Any crackles, roughness, gurgles, etc. If he struggles, wait until he settles before listening and determining.

So just lethargy? Coolness is not something I worry about if there's no other real symptoms. Is he eating, drinking, pooping and peeing normally?

 

[lilspaz68]

Jeff is in Markham, not Toronto.

 

[nightmarevamp]

He is eating, I haven't seen if he has been peeing or pooing properly but I assume he is. As well as drinking water. I've listened to his lungs in a quite room and no wheezing or rough sounds.

He's just very lethargic, like he went to have some food by his bowl and then after he just fell asleep in the bedding at the bottom of the cage. They never do that.

This is what is bugging me the most, he is acting odd and sleeping in areas he just doesn't and really isn't running or bounding at all. He feels weaker to.

*sighs*

 

[jorats]

Jeff is in Markham, not Toronto.

It's not that far? or is it?

 

[lilspaz68]

Jeff is in Markham, not Toronto.

It's not that far? or is it?

Not really.

Can you take pics of Thief right now Jeff?

 

[nightmarevamp]

Yeah I can take more pics.

He seems better though, back to being alert and running around. He does sleep a awful lot, but was bounding and didn't feel week when he was picked up.

Could it have just been a cold? I'll take pics soon, don't know how to post them on here though.

 

[lilspaz68]

Yeah I can take more pics.

He seems better though, back to being alert and running around. He does sleep a awful lot, but was bounding and didn't feel week when he was picked up.

Could it have just been a cold? I'll take pics soon, don't know how to post them on here though.

Rats have off days just like us, and they also don't catch colds. He sounds fine.

 

[Joanne]

I'd keep a close eye on him. Heart issues like congestive heart failure can make them weak/no energy. See if he keeps improving or if he stays a bit 'off'. Where you have access to a very knowledgable vet, I'd take him if he's not back to normal in a day or two...

 

[nightmarevamp]

He's doing ok right now thank god, and seems back to his normal self. It was just REALLY strange, sleeping in the bedding, falling asleep in the open on the chairs. He NEVER does those things, and was pretty weak.

Whatever it was he seems better, but I'll keep my eye on him. Heck, even two

I do need to closer good vet, any suggestions?

 

[Moon]

Jeff, you have to exotic options in Markham... the vets at Heritage Animal Clinic at 16th and 48 (Dr Musson in particular, I think) and Dr Selinger at Bridle Trail Vet in Unionville. Dr Selinger doesn't work every day, but of the two options she's the one I'd recommend the most. They are knowledgeable at Bridle Trail but VERY pricey and... to me.... are somewhat incredulous at the prospect of owning pet rats.

If you are just looking to have a rat PTS you can see any of the vets at Bridle Trail, they're all aware of how to have a rat PTS humanely. But only Dr Selinger can treat for other things.

Although she has done operations on them before, I believe neuters most of all, for surgeries I'd only be comfortable going to Dr Munn at Greenwood Park in Toronto. He's far to drive for respiratory infections and the like, but a better option for "scarier" things.

 

[nightmarevamp]

Thank you very much, Heritage Animal clinic is right beside me, but I will listen to your advice and go to the one in Unionville if I have to.

Thanks