Update on: Anti-Social Rescue Rat

[smilez_n_hugs]

Just curious, which vet at what animal clinic gave you this advice?

 

[xxchelle]

Can you take a video? I've never seen a rat literally curl into a ball the way you describe, I'm worried there's something neurologically wrong.

 

[lilspaz68]

Does he hunch up, close his eyes a little and freeze...does he do these rapid irregular breaths and then stop for a second then start again?

 

[RatKat]

Can you take a video? I've never seen a rat literally curl into a ball the way you describe, I'm worried there's something neurologically wrong.

I'm sorry I don't have a video recorder-wish I did. But that was the big word my vet used and I couldn't remember...lol

 

[RatKat]

Does he hunch up, close his eyes a little and freeze...does he do these rapid irregular breaths and then stop for a second then start again?

Followed by irregular heart beat, tremors, and shrieking.

 

[lilspaz68]

Does he hunch up, close his eyes a little and freeze...does he do these rapid irregular breaths and then stop for a second then start again?

Followed by irregular heart beat, tremors, and shrieking.

where are you located?

 

[RatKat]

Does he hunch up, close his eyes a little and freeze...does he do these rapid irregular breaths and then stop for a second then start again?

Followed by irregular heart beat, tremors, and shrieking.

where are you located?

Outside of Hamilton

 

[lilspaz68]

Does he hunch up, close his eyes a little and freeze...does he do these rapid irregular breaths and then stop for a second then start again?

Followed by irregular heart beat, tremors, and shrieking.

where are you located?

Outside of Hamilton

Let me know if it becomes too much, I can take him in and put him with Milton and the baby Bird boys. They are young and did very well with terrified/timid Milton, who once he figured out they wouldn't hurt him, loves them. But Milton will need a friend once those 2 brothers are adopted, and this boy might fit the bill nicely.

I am very good with very frightened rats. :mrgreen:

 

[xxchelle]

I'd love to meet the little guy and maybe give you some pointers on games you can play with him/toys/etc. Would you like to get together? I'll bring coffee! I'd also like to look for other neurological signs, just in case there's something more wrong that we're not seeing on the surface, ya know? I'd be happy to come out your way if you want

 

[Kimber]

So is that the issue then Spaz? Is he just absolutely terrified of his ratty friends? Nothing neurological, just been alone too much?

 

[lilspaz68]

I'd love to meet the little guy and maybe give you some pointers on games you can play with him/toys/etc. Would you like to get together? I'll bring coffee! I'd also like to look for other neurological signs, just in case there's something more wrong that we're not seeing on the surface, ya know? I'd be happy to come out your way if you want

Even better :thumbup:

 

[RatKat]

Does he hunch up, close his eyes a little and freeze...does he do these rapid irregular breaths and then stop for a second then start again?

Followed by irregular heart beat, tremors, and shrieking.

where are you located?

Outside of Hamilton

Let me know if it becomes too much, I can take him in and put him with Milton and the baby Bird boys. They are young and did very well with terrified/timid Milton, who once he figured out they wouldn't hurt him, loves them. But Milton will need a friend once those 2 brothers are adopted, and this boy might fit the bill nicely.

I am very good with very frightened rats. :mrgreen:

Thank you very much for your offer. I wouldn't feel comfortable giving up on him yet. We'll take it slow for now. With all due respect-and you've given good advice, so I do respect you-I am starting to believe/see he has neurological problems. And if he does, forcing him into a relationship with others is not going to make him lead a long healthy life. His tremors/seizures could kill him. He has other odd behaviours, as well.

For example, he keeps trying to hang out with my ferret, as in trying to climb into his cage. He's a gentle old boy who ignores my bunny who has been found humping him. And will occasionally play toss the carrot rattle. But they've been used to each other for years-the duke wouldn't know what to think about Little Rescue. I'm not going to consider introducing the two of them-too much could go wrong.

 

[lilspaz68]

My mouse decided rats would be her best friend, and when she got loose she kept climbing in the cage with them. :doh:

she's a normal little munchkin though. As for forcing rats to live together I would never do that. But I have a good vet who could work with seizures if it turns out to be them. I honestly just believe he is fearful, and needs to be left alone just socializing with you for awhile, then once he is relaxed, intro's can start. I have seen/felt the thudding heart, it doesn't sound like seizures at all.

I have all confidence that this boy can be happy with friends one day..

 

[RatKat]

My mouse decided rats would be her best friend, and when she got loose she kept climbing in the cage with them. :doh:

she's a normal little munchkin though. As for forcing rats to live together I would never do that. But I have a good vet who could work with seizures if it turns out to be them. I honestly just believe he is fearful, and needs to be left alone just socializing with you for awhile, then once he is relaxed, intro's can start. I have seen/felt the thudding heart, it doesn't sound like seizures at all.

I have all confidence that this boy can be happy with friends one day..

As much as I appreciate your suggestions. But his seizures are caused by the scent/contact with other rats. I really wish I had a video camera. But at the same time I don't want to traumatize him again.

There is a huge difference between a thudding heart and a rat that convulses, twitches, shrieks, and gasps for air, for up to 20 minutes afterwards.

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

Just curious, which vet at what animal clinic gave you this advice?

I'd love to meet the little guy and maybe give you some pointers on games you can play with him/toys/etc. Would you like to get together? I'll bring coffee! I'd also like to look for other neurological signs, just in case there's something more wrong that we're not seeing on the surface, ya know? I'd be happy to come out your way if you want

I think you missed these.

 

[xxchelle]

If he's having seizures (convulsions, gasping, etc.) he NEEDS to go on medication.

My offer to come assess him still stands, I'd also be willing to bring him to the rescue vet to get him meds, it'd save you a lot of money since I get discounts on everything

 

[RatKat]

If he's having seizures (convulsions, gasping, etc.) he NEEDS to go on medication.

My offer to come assess him still stands, I'd also be willing to bring him to the rescue vet to get him meds, it'd save you a lot of money since I get discounts on everything

Thank you for your offer. I have enough money to take care of him. His seizures are triggered by other rats. I've spoken to the vet and he's decided that unless we find more triggers-putting him on medication that he may not need could harm him.

I'd offer the vet's name but I really don't want to inconvenience him with a bunch of inquisitive calls.

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

Could you pm the vet's name or even just the clinic's name? I have some friends in your area with rats so I want to make sure they aren't going to that vet with any serious issues.

 

[RatKat]

Could you pm the vet's name or even just the clinic's name? I have some friends in your area with rats so I want to make sure they aren't going to that vet with any serious issues.

Really? He's a bad vet because he suggests something you disagree with?

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

Where did I say I disagree? I'm concerned because if you're rat IS having seizures then he NEEDS to be on medication so I am worried about a vet that didn't offer meds.