Opinion on my poor old man? (edited with new "symptom")

[tenleid]

My lovely rattie, Max, is nearing 4 years old. Lately, he's been dragging himself around a lot, but just today it seems he's given up all together.

He'll eat a little, but not if it's out of reach. He wont walk towards the food at all, and i was worried about his water intake, so i sat there for a while holding his water bottle up to him. He also wont let me pick him up.

He's just seemed generally...exhausted lately, and im worried. His bother died in May extremely suddenly; I had brought them some veggies, and half an hour later the poor guy was gone.

I havent gotten Max another cage mate, which im aware isnt the best of all ideas, but i simply couldn't think of a way to justify it. Max is old, and i'm leaving the country in a few weeks and can't take the little guy with me. My parents agreed to take care of him, they get along well- But wouldnt agree to take care of another rat if I got one.

I'm just really worried about Max. I know his time is coming soon, which is inevitable; i've been trying to baby him and spoil him as much as possible, but im worried he might be in pain and suffering and really just.. dont know what to do D:

EDIT: his left foot just started shaking a lot. its a steady shake, but.. D:

 

[jorats]

It sounds like normal old manrat syndrome. Can you provide him with a shallow dish of water instead of the water bottle? At his age, unless he was extremely healthy, I wouldn't get him a buddy either, it might be too stressful on him. But can you put a small stuffed toy in the cage with him? Lots of chew blocks at his level too. I've got a boy, all he can do is crawl around now, his back legs are completely useless now. But he motors around pretty good, he's not old yet but he's getting there. I can see him completely slowing down when he ages more. Just have to baby them more.

The leg thing is pretty normal. He's trying to reach an inch, it's almost instinctual. Or it could be something with his spine. But still, not yet cause for alarm yet.

 

[Rachael]

At his age, unless he was extremely healthy, I wouldn't get him a buddy either, it might be too stressful on him. But can you put a small stuffed toy in the cage with him

I agree, I use little stuffed toys for them and they seem to like that. :heart:

 

[LA]

If you find he can't eat the food, you might have to start giving him some supplement. Baby cereal and ensure are great things. Try that.