Advice on caring for elderly rats?

Question

My poor gal Joyce is now past the 2 year mark and starting to have failing health. Her teeth get overgrown and we have to clip them back. Oddly after more than 10 years of rat breeding never had that problem for. Right now she loves peach apple sauce as a snack.

She is skinnier than she used to be.

Just wondering what other rat owners have found helpfull.

Lol is spoiled ratten.

Answer 1

Caring for older rats

There are several special considerations that may need to be taken into account when you're dealing with an aging rat.

Inactivity

When rats get older, they do slow down and even normally active rats start spending more time sleeping and cuddling when out for exercise with their humans.  This is the time you get the squishy cuddly lap rat you've always hoped for... enjoy these bonding moments with your furry old friend.

Reduced mobility

Older rats are prone to weakness caused by muscle wasting, degeneration of the spinal cord, pituitary adenoma or stroke.  More information here: Weakness in older rats: A paralysis primer

Hind leg paralysis is quite common, particularly in male rats.  Treatment with anti inflammatory drugs (like pretension or meta-cam) or anabolic steroids (like parabling) can be of some assistance with this condition.  But most paralyzed rats get along amazingly well despite their disability.

Environment

An elderly rat will usually adapt just fine with some modifications to his environment.  Be sure to make his home safe and easy for him to navigate.  Some suggestions:

    * Replace steep ladders with low, wide ramps with good grip (covering them with fabric or waterproof marine carpet can often help).

    * Place food and water on each level of the cage so he doesn't need to travel far if hungry.

    * Provide a hammock or soft bedding below shelves in case of a fall.

    * Opt for a one level cage or aquarium.

    * Cover any exposed wire... weaker rats are more likely to get their feet or claws caught in the wire.

    * Lower his water bottle so he can reach it without standing up.

    * Replace high hammocks with a floor level snuggle sack or nest box.

    * Ensure his cagemates aren't bothering him... you may need to separate them if problems arise.

    * Keep a consistent temperature range... older rats are more prone to respiratory problems and generally have less fat for warmth.  A heating mat positioned under one end of his cage may be useful during winter.

    * More regular cage cleaning is essential as an immobile rat may not be able to move away from soiled bedding, and may spill food and water.

    * A change to fabric bedding can be helpful to prevent pieces of litter getting caught in an immobile rat's mouth or eyes, and it's also easier to move through.

Grooming

When rats get older, they can have some difficulty grooming sufficiently due to weakness.  You may have to help him with this.

    * A daily wipe down with a damp cloth or wet soft bristled brush can help keep his coat groomed.

    * Rats use their feet to clean their ears, so you may need to remove built-up wax with a Q-tip once a week.

    * Holding your rat upright in your lap can allow him to groom using both hands, something which is difficult with hind leg weakness.

    * Regular clipping of his back claws will be necessary as they won't be worn down normally.

    * Old immobile rats may start having bladder control problems.  If this happens, wash his belly clean when he does wet himself, as the urine can burn and irritate the skin.

    * Moving his limbs around with gentle range of motion exercises will help keep his joints flexible.

Diet

Old rats will not eat as much as they used to, so it's important that you provide them with highly nutritious foods.

    * Extra high calorie treats are good to help keep muscle condition.

    * Provide soft, pureed foods that don't require being held to eat, like baby food, pureed vegetables and fruits, rat blocks soaked in soy milk, "nutrical" high calorie paste, avocado, porridge, yogurt, etc.

    * A vitamin and mineral supplement can ensure your rat is getting his complete nutritional requirements.

If your old rat is having trouble standing on his hind legs to eat, you may need to provide a low dish rather than a deep bowl for his food.  Syringe feeding may be necessary when self feeding becomes difficult.

More information on feeding elderly rats here:  Rat Nutrition

Health concerns

As rats age their immune system declines and they can become more prone to respiratory illnesses.  They also take longer to recover from such ailments than younger rats.  Other health issues associated with limited mobility include bladder infections, skin problems and fall injuries.

The sad farewell

We all wish our beloved old rats will pass away quietly in their sleep of extreme old age.  However, there may come a time when you need to decide whether your old rat is still enjoying good quality of life.  As difficult a decision as this may be for you, you should be prepared for this in advance.  Contact a good rat vet in your area and ensure s/he uses a humane method of euthanasia and that you are permitted to be present during the procedure (if you wish). Being prepared in advance will ensure you and your rat get through this emotional time without additional stress.

Answer 2

Advice:

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