What is happening to my rat?

[caitlinf]

It's 3am and I cant call a vet.

All of a sudden my rat acts as if he's dying. I think he actually might since I can't do anything to help him but make him comfortable. He keeps falling to one side and pushing his body back and forth in that direction. At first it wasn't so bad but now he cant even walk (an hour ago he could walk with a little difficulty). He's laying on his side doing that sway thing. He cant get up to reach the water bottle so I tried giving him water through a small syringe but he didn't want it and tried to push me away. He seems to want food though, but he cant eat hard food so i gave him some banana. now he seems to try to eat what i put in front of him, but he cant seem to do it.

The worst part is watching him suffer.

If his condition is irreversible, should I have him put down? I don't know what to do...

 

[victoria]

It sounds like he may have had a stroke. Keep him as comfortable as you can (make sure he can't fall of ledges/shelves in the cage, get tangled in bedding, etc.) and see if you can get him to an experienced vet in the morning. You should put out a shallow bowl of water for him and soft foods since he can't eat or drink the way he normally does. Offering him some Ensure or lab block mush (lab blocks soaked in water or low sodium broth) will help him get the nutrition he needs.

He may pass through the night, he may recover on his own, or he may need a steroid to reduce swelling to get better. I've lost a rat to a stroke and had one make a complete recovery on her own, there's really no way to predict what will happen. It sounds like you've done everything you can already, just keep comforting him until you can get him to the vet and hope for the best :hugs:

 

[jorats]

If he's still with you, it could also be a severe ear infection. Antibiotics and steroids would help.

 

[lilspaz68]

Everything Victoria said. The steroid will reduce the swelling on his brain, and if he's going to recover will make it a lot faster.

How old is your boy?

 

[SQ]

As aready said, a steroid (such as dex or pred) and antibiotics as steriods lower the immune system and must be given with an antibiotic.
For antibiotics, suggest clorpalm or both baytril + clavamox just in case, as they are recomended for inner ear infection.

 

[caitlinf]

Thanks for the helpful advice, but he just passed away this morning. I heard wheezing coming from the cage and when I looked he wasn't moving except for deep rapid breaths, eyes partially closed. I knew he wasn't going to make it and i didnt want him to suffer anymore but he died just seconds before we got to the vet to put him down, it was really horrible, but at least he isn't suffering anymore. He was about 1 year and 2-3 months old.

As for his cagemate, what should I do? i dont want anymore pets, but I don't think anyone would take him, unless a breeder wants him (but I have trust issues, I couldn't be sure they just want him for snake food) Will he get depressed? How can I help him? This is my first rat death experience.

 

[lilspaz68]

Why wouldn't anyone take your last boy in?

 

[victoria]

I'm sorry to hear that :hugs: I had hoped he would make it to the vet.

I wouldn't discount someone wanting to take him in as a pet, I have adopted single, older rats before and it would again.

If you can't find someone you trust, you may considering fostering a pair and returning them to the rescue/shelter when your boy passes or at least getting him a small stuffed toy to cuddle with.

 

[caitlinf]

I'll definitely get him a toy, but I didnt know you could foster rats, I might be able to do that. How long should I wait until getting him a new cagemate if possible?

 

[lilspaz68]

I think it depends on where you are located as to what rescues or shelters are in your area.

 

[caitlinf]

I'll check out the humane society. Here, animal places don't seem to know much about rats, or offer much as far as rats go, but I'll do my best.

 

[lilspaz68]

I'll check out the humane society. Here, animal places don't seem to know much about rats, or offer much as far as rats go, but I'll do my best.

We have rescue oriented people from all across Canada on here, who might know more about your local situation. I and many others can help you with most places in Ontario, for eg. I am from Toronto myself.

 

[mamarat]

I am so sorry for your loss.

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

I'm so sorry.

If you are looking to adopt a new friend for him but aren't comfortable posting your location feel free to PM me and I might be able to suggest a rescue that delivers in your area.

 

[Bundyrats]

I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[SQ]

I am very very sorry .....

If you post your provience, and if you feel comfortable - your city,
someone may be able to help