2007-03-06 08:11:37 · 5 answers · asked by Tonia F 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
We currently have pet rats also. Rats only live about 2-3 years and are prone to respiratory diseases. We had the same thing happen with one of our first rats, unfortunately it died that same night. We went through the same thing with another one about 2 months ago although this one got better overnight. I did take them to a small animal vet the next day anyway as my 2 children are very attached and it was horrible when we lost the first one. It doesn't cost as much to take a rat to the vet as it does a dog or cat but I would call first to make sure. Rats are also prone to cancer but thankfully we haven't had to deal with that. Another thing you could do is to call the pet store you got the rat from. Petco let us take ours in and they looked them over for free. They even tried some in store medicines, although we did purchase the rats from them. Good luck with your rat.
2007-03-06 09:22:45 · answer #1 · answered by mom of 2 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are a lot of things that can go wrong with rats, unfortunately.
Your rat may have an inner ear infection, making it difficult for the rat to stand upright or walk. A vet can prescribe medication for this, but if your rat can't walk or stand, it may be too late to cure.
He may have also had some kind of heart attack or stroke. In that case, your vet can put him to sleep. (You wouldn't want him to suffer and die a slow death.)
Also, he may have a respiratory infection. Has he lost weight lately? Is he breathing funny? Sneezing a lot? I had a rat who died of a respiratory infection, and before she died, she couldn't stand up or walk.
Your best bet is to take your rat to a vet as soon as possible. I wouldn't recommend taking him to PetCo or Petsmart to have someone look him over, because usually the employees don't know too much about specific animals. Your vet will know better what's wrong with your rat. And just keep in mind, rats usually don't live too much longer than 2 years, so your vet may suggest putting him to sleep if he's around 2 years old (or more).
2007-03-06 19:25:11 · answer #2 · answered by K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had a pet rat years ago that had similiar problems, seemed like he was hurting too. took it to the vet and he told me it was a bacterial infection that is common in rodents and there is no cure for unfortunately. the best thing I could tell you to do is take it to a vet. even though its only a few dollars to repalce im sure its gained a special place with you and worth the vet bill...... I wish you alot of luck
2007-03-06 16:21:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is the age of your pet?
My children had pet Rats some years ago - the Veterinarian told me that they pass on at pretty close to two years of age. Sadly it was true.
2007-03-06 16:18:06 · answer #4 · answered by cmonwalter 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Are you sure that he didn't have a wet bed? when you have a wet bed, your joints and limbs ache and ache next day. Wait until tomrrow.
IF you are really concerned try calling the vet or researching up some websites.
2007-03-06 16:16:54 · answer #5 · answered by red_dogs_command 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋