need some advice please

[cs2402]

Hi,

One of our rats (2 years old) is completely lethargic and seems to have lost use of his legs, it has happened over the course of the last 2-3 weeks, starting with just his back legs but over the last 2-3 days it has gotten significantly worse. We separated him from his brother who was treading on him and put him somewhere flat and comfy.

He now does not move at all. he stopped eating solid food so we bought him baby food and fed him water with a syringe.

Now unfortunately he has not gotten better and is not eating at all. It has probably been 24 hours since he ate anything significant. His heart had been racing quite fast but now it has slowed down to below-normal levels.

It is killing me just to type this but basically I want to know if recovery is possible, if it's likely that he will pass soon, or if he might suffer a prolonged and uncomfortable passing due to starvation - in which case we'd take him to be pts. I can't bear to see him go but it's even worse if he might be in pain (although he is showing no signs of pain, no squeaking etc, just the very occasional chatter). I am just looking for some recommendations, thank you.

Edit: Just want to add a few things

We have been to the vet about 10 days ago when he just started to get bad - and our vets just dont seem to know enough about rats, not compared to the things you read online! When we described the later symptoms to a vet over the phone yesterday, it basically seemed that they were offering to put him to sleep and nothing else. Yet I've read online about lethargy and paralysis, read about the possibility of amoxicillin helping and even that they could recover after as much as a week.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, his name is Bear by the way.

 

[lilspaz68]

Can you post a picture of Bear?

Is he reluctant to eat from even a syringe?

 

[cs2402]

Thank you for your response.

This is a pic of Bear from a moment ago. This is the way he has laid for about 2 days now, occasionally moving his front paws and yawning but little else.

He was eating from a dish at first, then the syringe, now not at all. Although I am concerned the syringe is too big, about 4mm diameter, it's from a metacam box so it's for a cat. We had a small one but I can't find it anywhere (but would be willing to go out and get one if it would help).

 

[lilspaz68]

I am sorry, it does look like a stroke.

He needs a competent vet right now. With stroke sometimes you can help them recover with steroids (reduces the inflammation of the brain), and some recover much more slowly on their own. But your boy is worsening, and is most likely dehydrated right now. If he's stopped eating then it does sound like time to let him go.

I am very sorry.

 

[cs2402]

Thanks, I appreciate your help and honesty

 

[cs2402]

I just dashed out and got a smaller syringe, and managed to get him to eat some banana/yoghurt/rice combi baby food without too much difficulty Also managed to give him some sugary water. Do you think it's worth going to the vets and talking about the possibility of a stroke/steroids? I don't want to give up hope!

 

[lilspaz68]

If he's eating, and drinking (you can give him watery foods) then you can definitely try. He will refuse food when he's had enough. Be prepared for it not to work, and we shall all be gloriously happy if it does. :thumbup:

 

[jorats]

Had he been losing the use of his hind leg for some time prior to this? He might have a pituitary tumour and this might be nearing the end for him. But again, steroids could given I'm a bit of a boost.
I honestly don't think your little guy is in pain... and eventually, he'll pass on his own but it's terribly hard to watch them go through that. Do you have a good vet? You could try to see if the vet wants to give it a go with steroids or simply let him go.

 

[cs2402]

Yes we took him into the vet about 10 days ago because he was not really using his hind legs very much. He gave us some metacam and we used that for 4-5 days before he lost the use of the legs altogether, and then the other legs followed shortly after.

I think our vet is average at best, but we might do that. We're struggling to be decisive so I appreciate your input.