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Tracy ThimbleBeary Originals
Iowa
Posts: 2,049
Website

I know there are at least of few ratty owners here besides myself, and wanted to ask what you gals thought of my little one's symptoms.  Annie, my sweet fancy rat, has become ill in the last few days.  Unfortunately, we don't have a vet around here that can treat a pet such as this, so I'm on my own. bear_sad  Anyway, the first thing I noticed was that she seems to be weak on the right side of her body.  Having trouble getting around, and even falling over if she 'leans' too far that side.  I was wondering if she didn't possibly have a stroke?  I'm assuming rats can have them too.  I noticed later in the day that she felt warmer to me than her cage mate, and her breathing was a bit labored.  Only no running nose or anything that would make me think a respiratory infection. bear_ermm  I did give her amoxidrops, which our vet did prescribe for me for another rat a couple of years ago that had the sniffles (that was about the extent of what he could do that time however......and wouldn't know more this time either).  It seems to have helped some......I think.  She doesn't feel so warm now, and her breathing is better.  But the weakness with one side of her body is still very much evident.  I don't know what else to do for her, and if anyone has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it!! :pray:  Oh, forgot to add that she is managing to eat and drink okay......pretty much staying close to the food and water, even sleeping half in the food bowl much of the time! bear_ermm

nettie scotland
Posts: 2,160
Website

Hi TRACY,
I have had lots of rats (love them!!!) and have seen this before.Is the rat old???I am sure I had one get like this after a stroke.If I remember correctly he recoered but not for long.He took another one and died sadly.Our vets here are used to cows and horses as well as dogs but were great with my rats.I would check out websites as pet rats are so popular and there will be club websites.I would just keep the wee soul warm and quiete for a few days.
We had six at one time and my daughter used to wear them round the house.I miss them but have too many dogs and cats now.My jack russell lived happily with rats for years but now I have four dogs I would have to watch too much.My rats were free range and did their business in a plastic conatiner,they are so clean.
Best of luck with yours.
Diane xxx

doodlebears Doodlebears
UK
Posts: 7,414

doodlebears Celebration Ambassador

Hi Tracy, It sounds as if your poor Annie has probably had a stroke. My daughter Eve has had many rats over the years and sadly this is a fact of life that seems to affect rats, well a few of Eve's had strokes. Poor little girl, I don't know what to sugest to do for her, just love her and make sure she is happy. You never know it could be some other condition that may heal and she could be bounding around happily before long.
I found this on the net...I hope it helps.............................................
It is possible that your rat had a stroke. The easiest way to tell is if there is paralysis on one side of the body (very little movement, if any). It can go away on its own, or with the help of a medicine like prednisone or medrol. If it's the back half of the rattie that's "paralyzed" it's often caused by some degeneration of the spinal chord. It's common in elderly rats. Steroids don't always fix that, but the rat usually adapts just fine. There are two excellent articles on rat paralysis here:
<http://www.rmca.org/Articles/paralysis.htm>
<http://www.rmca.org/Articles/oldrats.htm>

Hugs Jane.  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:

Tracy ThimbleBeary Originals
Iowa
Posts: 2,049
Website

Thanks so much Diane and Jane!! :hug: :hug:   I was wondering if anyone else had dealt with something like this (it helps to have a better idea what you're dealing with)....and I was having difficulting finding anything online......the links you gave me helped a bunch Jane. 

It does sound like I guessed right, and it was a stroke.  Poor Annie still isn't doing well. bear_sad And with no ratty vet within 200 miles of us, I will have to hope for the best now and see if she can recover.  She is still in with Betsy, her cage mate.  Betsy has been staying close to her and cuddling.....maybe trying to help her feel better.  I've been placing her near the food and water if she manages to get too far from it.....don't want her to not be able to get back.  And I give her a small cuddle myself every so often......she seems to respond well to that. bear_wub

thumperantiques Newcastle, Ontario
Posts: 5,645

Oh Tracy, I'm sorry about your wee Annie.  It's soooo hard when animals become ill and we don't know what to do for them.  I'm sure she does appreciate a snuggle, as she is probably as mystified as you are.  Give her a snuggle for me, please.

                                     hugs,

                                     Brenda

nettie scotland
Posts: 2,160
Website

I would just spoil her a bit with here favourite foods as it may just be she is getting past her sell by date.They are such lovely animals and very like having dogs.Mine all came to their names.If people could just get past all the nonsense about rats they would see what great pets they are especially elderly people who cant walk a dog.They are the next best thing for sure and so affectionate.I do hope she recovers.They are so easy to love.
Diane xx

matilda Matilda Huggington-beare
WA
Posts: 5,551

I'm so sorry to hear about Annies ailment. Give her a cuddle from me. :hug: Give Betsy a hug as well.
I'm sure they are both confused about what is happening.  All the best, Wendy :rose:

I'm glad you said that Nettie. I have been thinking about getting a rat for a pet. I have never known anyone who has had one though. So havent been able to make my mind up.  I didnt know they could be house trained?
I think I will have to look into this more.  bear_thumb

Tracy ThimbleBeary Originals
Iowa
Posts: 2,049
Website

Thanks gals. bear_wub   I will pass on the snuggles to Annie! 


They are such lovely animals and very like having dogs.Mine all came to their names.If people could just get past all the nonsense about rats they would see what great pets they are especially elderly people who cant walk a dog.They are the next best thing for sure and so affectionate.I do hope she recovers.They are so easy to love.

EXACTLY Diane!! bear_thumb   The ratties really are such special pets.  So intelligent and loving.......I wish more people could experience that!  Often enough though, people are turned off by them due to many misconceptions......such as being dirty and disease ridden.  They're just not, and are in fact very clean.  My girls bath themselves regularly, thank you! bear_grin 


Betsy and Annie were actually rescued from a 'feeder tank' at a pet store.  I know people say you shouldn't buy such animals (and I tend to agree on theory), as it only encourages breeding for such things, but I couldn't help it.  I just hate the idea of what is in store for the poor babies! bear_cry And I'm ever so glad I did buy them. bear_wub


I think you may be right about Annie, Diane.........she really isn't improving much, so it looks like permanent damage was done.  I doubt she will be with me for much longer bear_sad .....although they are tough little creatures, so she may surprise me.  In the meantime, I will spoil her even more rotten than she already is and give her lots of extra cuddles and attention.  And Betsy too.....she seems to know something is up and needs the extra now as well. 


Wendy, please do read up on the ratties and consider getting one or two (they are very social and often do better in pairs or groups).  You won't regret the experience!  And, contrary to popular belief, their tails really aren't slimy and gross either! bear_grin

kassiebears Kassie Bears TM/Creations of Mysticism
Oregon
Posts: 1,078

hi Tracy,

I have had rats too, but I see you have had a lot of wonderful ideas here. I only want to say...I am sorry to hear about Annie. I know how it feels as so many of us here do - to have a beloved pet sick. It makes it worse when we are so far away from a vet. I do hope she gets better, I am sending good thoughts your way and Annie's.  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:

hugs kassie

matilda Matilda Huggington-beare
WA
Posts: 5,551

I just spent the ENTIRE morning reading up on RATS as pets. I looked at cages and supplies as well. Looked into common ailments and diseases. Sorry Tracy I did read anything that resembled your wee darlings illness. :hug:
Do you ever think that sometimes we do too much reading up and/or have too much info at times.
After all this reading I sooo want a rat and I'm so scared to have one as well. I really really dont like this dying thing that we all have to do. I gather that is why rat owners collect quite a mob of rats. It must make the grieving just that little bit easier. Especially when your time and energies are divertered to those that need you. EG, other rats. 
I found next to no info in Australia. And nothing for WA in particular. I will have to put the word out to see if there are any breeders or enthusiasts near by who would help me set up with a rat.  Wish me luck :dance:

What is the latest Tracy??? How is Annie?

Tracy ThimbleBeary Originals
Iowa
Posts: 2,049
Website

Kassie--Thank you!  It means a lot to both me and Annie! :hug:


Wendy--I'm so glad you've been researching the ratties! bear_thumb   They really are such wonderful pets, and the time you would have with one (or more bear_tongue ) is well worth having....even though we must face the loss of the dear souls eventually.  They do have a shorter life span than a dog or cat, but I must tell you I don't regret having my girls one bit.  And my heart is breaking now for little Annie.  She isn't doing any better......still weak on the one side of her body, and I believe she has a respiratory infection on top of that now. bear_sad   Probably due to the inactivity.  I am treating her with antibiotics in an effort to keep her as comfortable as possible, and giving her lots of love, which she is soaking in.  Her last days will be filled with as much love as I can possibly give her.   

I don't want to scare you off the ratties with my situation with Annie though Wendy.  As I said, the time I've had with her has been wonderful.......I wouldn't trade it for anything. bear_wub  Honestly, they are usually quite healthy and sturdy little creatures, especially if they are cared for properly, which I know would be the case with you.  I do hope you can find someone close to you to help you set up for the rats.  I wish you the best of luck!!  And if you have any questions for me, please email or PM me.......I would be happy to help long distance!! :hug:

matilda Matilda Huggington-beare
WA
Posts: 5,551

Sorry to hear that Tracy. Poor wee Annie. :hug:   I didnt see anything that refered to her complaint. There was a bit about respiratory problems. How best to avoid them type stuff. A list of toxic foods. Which blew me away.
I have now made my mind up and I'm on the look out for a rat. Well maybe two rats. bear_grin mivght as well go whole hog.
Wendy bear_thumb

puca bears puca bears
Posts: 1,934

Wendy.......just make sure you get the two of the same sex - one of each and you'll be over -run!!!I'd love to keep rats, but with big dog and a couple of cats..and not nearly enough time to devote to patiently introducing cats, dogs and rats, and then monitoring them....you get the picture?!? I recently asked a friend how they manage with their golden retriever, and small daughter's pet rat..apparently the dog refuses to even acknowledge the rat's presence - so no worries!
And Tracy - I really FEEL or you - it is always SO hard to see a beloved pet sick...
huggies
Maria

Tracy ThimbleBeary Originals
Iowa
Posts: 2,049
Website

Wendy.......just make sure you get the two of the same sex - one of each and you'll be over -run!!!

bear_thumb Excellent point Maria!  Nice thing about the ratties, it's easy to tell the difference between the two! bear_tongue  :whistle:


Thanks you guys regarding Annie. :hug: It is hard to see her like this.  I am comforted by the fact that I am doing all I possibly can for her.......that does help quite a bit.

MerBear MerBear Originals
Brockville, Ontario
Posts: 1,540

Rats as pets   bear_wacko  living on a farm - we really don't like rats very much! Just can't imagine keeping them as pets, especially since we really like it when our cats and dogs catch them.
I'm sure they do make good pets though; my daughter-in-law rescued her lab rat from university and loved him for years. We provided her with a very large cage for his enjoyment but when they went away they never did leave him with us.  :crackup:

Marion

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