Sick rattie. Update: He's gone.

DadRat · Dec 8, 2009

...how will I know when it is time?

Part of me hopes and prays he will go in his sleep, but I know I need to be prepared to make the PTS call.

How do I tell?

SQ · Dec 8, 2009

I have had several rats with pt.
Once they became unable to eat, or they started having difficulty breathing, or seemed to be in pain, or they had no quality of life left, then they were pts by my vet.
You know your boy and as you spend time with him, treasuring every moment, you will notice small changes that will help you know when it is time. Nothing is set in stone, it is an individual decision.

If you are thinking of having Jacob pts, you will want to read the discussion at:
viewtopic.php?f=20&t=9582

jorats · Dec 9, 2009

I don't have my rats with PT put to sleep. Their brain starts to shut down organs slowly and they do have an enzyme release and there's no pain. My vet as well as Shelagh's vet has confirmed this.
Mine pass in my arms, feeling my love and appreciation for their life with me.

DadRat · Dec 9, 2009

I don't think it will be much longer.

Jacob has stopped eating and drinking, won't even lick up baby food or drink from a syringe. He looks very confused and is getting some porphyrin around his eyes.

His brother/cagemate is rather stressed out.

mamarat · Dec 9, 2009

:hugs:

SQ · Dec 9, 2009

jorats said:
I don't have my rats with PT put to sleep. Their brain starts to shut down organs slowly and they do have an enzyme release and there's no pain. My vet as well as Shelagh's vet has confirmed this.
Mine pass in my arms, feeling my love and appreciation for their life with me.

You are fortunate.
My rats are pts at the vets and they pass in my arms after going unconscious in my arms ...
My first experience with pt was Hannah. She was in distress as she was dying so I had an emergency vet apt in the middle of the night to have her pts.
I haven't been willing to risk that again.
But I would like to see mine pass that way you have described.