Sick rattie. Update: He's gone.

[DadRat]

One of our boys has me worried. For the past day or two Jacob hasn't been quite himself. He is about 18 months old. He's been somewhat lethargic and poofed up. He seems either unsteady or tender when he walks around. Not sneezing or anything, no excess porphrin. His brother has been sniffing at Jacob's man parts a lot and he smells slightly musky, although he might have been napping in a pee puddle again.

Being the worrying Dadrat that I am, should I get him into see a vet ASAP? It'll be tomorrow afternoon or Tuesday before I am free from class to drive the hour to our vet if they can get him in that fast. I'm as worried for my little boy as our bank account is empty right now.

Help?

 

[jorats]

Have you checked if the little guy has a penis plug?
At his age, he could be starting hind end degeneration which is not a big deal, something he'll adapt too.
Does he eat well?
There could be a number of things... one of which is respiratory infection but a vet would need to determine that and meds would surely help.

 

[DadRat]

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll do a search on penis plug, not really familiar with that. Tips or advice?

He is still eating and drinking, just slowly.

He just seems "off" and lethargic. Constantly having his fur poofed is unusual for him too. When I take him out, he just curls up on me and doesn't go play or explore with his brother.

 

[jorats]

Lift him up and take sniff, penis plugs don't smell too good. If it does smell awful strong, then you'll need to hold him on your chest while you pry his penis out of his sheath. You'll see the plug on top of the penis, wipe it off and let the penis go back in. It's not fun for either party.

He could very well have a bladder infection... those are quite painful so I'd recommend a vet visit as soon as you are able too.

 

[DadRat]

I'll see if I can accomplish anything with the little guy tonight. If I don't see a plug I guess it will be time to make a vet appointment.


...this is not helping me concentrate on my homework.

 

[Maple]

Jo, I heard you mention the "plug" several times in the last little while, is it a common thing for our little boys? Please excuse my ignorance as I am a "mostly" female ratty household.

 

[jorats]

It's not common but it does happen. The minute someone writes "odor" I immediately think of plug.

 

[DadRat]

Update:

Have a vet appointment tomorrow morning, our vet is booked today with surgeries.

Jacob won't really let me investigate him too much, which is not normal for him, so I'm guess me prodding his man parts does not feel good. He actually nibbled on my hand while I was trying to get him exposed, which is 100% out of character for him, as he is usually rather indifferent to anything mom or dad do to him (except baths, he's always hated those and lets everyone know it).

...it needs to be tomorrow morning now, I don't like worrying about my little heart rat so much.

 

[jorats]

If he's got a bladder infection, he's very sore so I could see him nibbling you beyond his will.
Good luck tomorrow!!

 

[DadRat]

If he's got a bladder infection, he's very sore so I could see him nibbling you beyond his will.
Good luck tomorrow!!

Thank you.

 

[DadRat]

I'm thinking he has some form of infection. When I took him out earlier, he peed on my hand (thank you Jacob) and it smelled musky. Normally rat pee is almost scentless in my experience.

Is it safe to give him some unsweetened cranberry juice? I know it is good for people with urinary problems, but I'm not sure if it is ok for ratties.

Hopefully the vet will get him straightened out tomorrow, poor little boy.

*says a prayer of healing for my heart rat*

*Fret-worry-fret.*

 

[mamarat]

Good thoughts for your sweetie.

 

[jorats]

You can sure give him some cranberry juice, even sweetened, it will help perk him up some.

 

[Moon]

Awww, poor boy. Good luck with the vet.

 

[MomRat]

Hearts and luvvles for my heart rat and husby. Be well and be healthy (and not too stressed out!)

 

[DadRat]

Back from vet. Scared now. His temp was 95.4. EGAD!

Vet isn't sure what is wrong with him. Listened to his lungs, felt his bladder, etc.

Have metacam and baytril to give with orders to keep him warm, eating, and drinking. The vet crossed her fingers.

Wife is out of town, it's finals week...ugh.


Prayers, good vibes, healing thoughts, reiki, light a candle, anything helps right now.

 

[BorealHiker]

Good luck with your boy. I know all too well the fret-worry-fret, and I don't wish it on anyone.

 

[jorats]

Sending him lots of healing vibes!!!

 

[mamarat]

Fingers crossed for your sweetie.

 

[MomRat]

Yeah, this here wifey is seriously trying to not freak out and/or cry, in the final week of rehearsals for a show, and unable to go home for WEEKS. Get better Jacob! Mommy wants more kisses!