Lethargic, poofy, cool; what's wrong with Blossom? -gone

[OceanEyes117]

Oh these kids. Berry is finally done with her URI, finished her meds about a week ago after being on them for 4 weeks. Yesterday I noticed that her sister Blossom looked a little... off. A bit quiet, eyes kinda closed, not anything I could put my finger on, but something. I just moved them into their new Critter Nation cage last night so I thought maybe it was just that.

Today she's definitely feeling something. Her fur is poofed out, she feels a bit cool, and there seem to be porphy crusties around her eyes. Berry had wet porph during her URI, but Blossom's is dry. Also, lethargic would be the word. Not running around, not really fussing if I pick her up or move her around, and the rat telephone sounded ok, but maybe a touch of squeaky in there. I have extra baytril/doxy blend from Berry's second round of meds on hand, will that be helpful? What's going on with my girl?

 

[hopefloats]

Well she isnt feeling well. Is she in pain anywhere? have you felt her all over to make sure? Has she been sneezy? and how is her breathing?

 

[OceanEyes117]

Well she isnt feeling well. Is she in pain anywhere? have you felt her all over to make sure? Has she been sneezy? and how is her breathing?

Can't seem to find anything that hurts, she doesn't seem to be favoring anything and I felt her up pretty well :cheeky: No sneezings that I've heard, breathing seems to be slightly labored? Hard to tell...

 

[hopefloats]

I could guess she may be starting pneumonia if she is labored...how old is she?

 

[OceanEyes117]

About 2-2 1/2 months old

 

[hopefloats]

It is bad if a baby has that........How long have you had her? most likely she will need meds baby rats can go downhill fast.

 

[OceanEyes117]

Oh I sure hope not. If her breathing is labored, it's not by much, to point where I can't really tell one way or the other. Mostly she just passive... Anything I can do in the meantime or other possibilities?

 

[victoria]

At her age, it's very likely it's a respiratory infection (if she's as bad as you describe it's probably pneumonia) or a head injury. She needs to see a vet as soon as possible.

 

[Aida]

Sounds a little like when my Charolette was anemic. Are her paws more pale than usually?

 

[lilspaz68]

I don't like lethargic babies...they make me nervous. I would start her on the meds if you have enough and they aren't expired.

 

[OceanEyes117]

Luckily the vet had an appt this morning so we're going in soon. If it is pneumonia, what should I be looking for in terms of meds? This is a new doc to me, only seen her once, but has years of experience with rats. And you think a dose of doxy/baytril would be ok if it is pneumonia? *crossing my fingers it's something quick and easy to take care of*

 

[EDK]

Ya sounds like my boy Techno, he's doing better but its a touch and go thing, i had to put him on antibiotics asap, but he seems to be doing better hope it works out for your little guys

 

[Joanne]

And you think a dose of doxy/baytril would be ok if it is pneumonia?

I think that in young rats Amoxicillin is preferred - safer on a growing baby...

 

[lilspaz68]

And you think a dose of doxy/baytril would be ok if it is pneumonia?

I think that in young rats Amoxicillin is preferred - safer on a growing baby...

I agree with the pediatric meds if its just a mild URI, but if it really is pneumonia, use the big meds for the wee one. Amoxicillin will not save a baby with pneumonia. Lets just hope its a nasally congestion thing instead.

 

[OceanEyes117]

I'll just hold off on meds then till we see the vet in an hours or so. Shes WAY more porphy today than she was yesterday. Yesterday it was a tiny crumble in the corner of her eye, like a wee sleepy, but this morning they were rimmed poor girl. I'm kicking myself cause I just thought to check and see if she's dehydrated and yep! So I got her to drink some lukewarm water with a wee touch of salt. I also have some ensure, but should I hold off until I know what meds shes getting incase of possible calcium interaction issues? Thank you all for the help. It's seems my brain has been a bit slow in returning to thinking like a rat mom after not having them for a few short years.

 

[mamarat]

Fingers crossed for your sweetie.

 

[OceanEyes117]

Leaving now, think good thoughts!

 

[victoria]

You should be fine giving Ensure within 2 hours of meds.

 

[OceanEyes117]

We're back. It seems that Miss Berry was oh so kind enough to share her URI with her sister. Wasn't that nice of her?! :emb: :lol: Blossom has a doxy/baytril blend to take every 12 hours for the next two weeks. I asked about pneumonia, and thankfully, she didn't hear any of that in her lungs. Whew! I think she was playing a bit dramatic for mom, looking for sympathy. She was feistier at the vet than she had been earlier with me and wasn't pleased about taking meds either when we got home. Hopefully she'll perk up quickly!

 

[mamarat]

Sending healing vibes to your sweetie.