My rat died after i went to the vet,was it a urinary infection or something else??

Question

My male albino/himmilain rat died two nights ago after going to the vet and i am trying to figure some things out. If anyone can help answer any of these questions, please do!

Peek was 5 months old, and very active. He is albino but his mum is himmilain and he has a touch of the himmilain nose. He normally never sits still, and runs around constantly. it is very strange to see him not still..except when he is sleeping, of course.

All week, and before that even, Peek was his normal self. Saterday(08/02) morning around 3:30 am he was active as usual and eating. That same morning around 9am he was curled in his cage and not responding to me. There was p**p smeared across his house and on his foot. I picked him up and he curled into my hands, still not responding other then opening his eyes.He then peed blood all over me and it was cold.

I took him to the vet immediantly, while putting him in his carrier he was not sensitive to touch, his bladder was not hard or anything. The vet could not do a sample of the urine/blood bc she couldnt get enough out. She did not do any more tests but believed he had a urinary infection and gave me anti biotics.

After the first dose, he seemed to improve a little, he walked around some and then he fell asleep again. He continued to adjust himself in my arms(like turn around then lay back down and go back to sleep) and then died around midnight.

Peek showed no symptoms of a urinary infection. there was no change in his behaviour, he was not sore or anything. Now he is dead. I feel guilty and i dont know why, but i feel like i should have done more some how. Any suggestions on what may have happened, maybe someone can explain it to me?? Thanks

Answer 1

ummmm.........

b/c rats are so small vets cant really do nething 4 them once they get sick but i have seen a dog pee blood once and it was b/c of a urinary tract problem.

honestly i HATE rats but it seems like u really loved ur so im srry and im sure it wasnt ur fault.

the prob. might have come from the water that u gave it, if u gave it tap water sometimes the amount of chlorine or some other minerals that are harmful can be found in it but b/c its in such little amounts it doesnt effect us but it could have affected Peek b/c he is small

Answer 2

aww, I'm soo sorry...rats are hard to take care of when they become sick.  

My first rat I ever got ( & I loved her dearly) after a year in a half she became sick.  She would not move, red substance came from her eyes, she was cold.  I brought her to the vet, and she had a respiratory diesase.

We got medican, they injected water into her. So I brought her home and she shook and died in my hands.  I was so sad.  

Answer 3

I am so sorry!!!!  It could be a lot of things, but the one thing that I thought of was when you said that he was peeing out cold blood was maybe some kind of poison. Cause when rats get rat poison, they bleed internaly. He could of had a urinary infection, but I am not positive. Some rats just get sick though, so maybe he was born with a disease or something.

Answer 4

The fact that he was albino is a sure indication of other genetic problems that lead to his death. From what you describe, he probably had kidney problems. You did your best in taking him to the vet as you did so quickly. Some things like this have no definitive answers. Be grateful that you were able to provide a good life for him, however short, with good care and medical attention. And keep reminding yourself that you did your best.

Answer 5

Hematuria

Back to Urinary / Renal

(blood in urine)

Definition

The presence of red blood cells in the urine either visible (gross hematuria) or microscopic (microscopic hematuria).

Clinical Signs

May observe any of the following:

Visible signs of blood in the urine, or red blood cells seen in urinalysis when done by a vet.

May or may not display following signs of pain or illness:

Vocalization when touched

Ruffled fur

Hunched posture

Frequent l*****g at genitals if pain present or difficulty urinating

Bladder distention or enlarged girth

Urinary urgency

Etiology

Hematuria is a sign of the presence of disease or injury to a part of the urinary tract.

There may be several causes for hematuria some of which are: urinary tract infections,injury, parasites such as Trichosomoides crassicauda (bladder threadworm), kidney or bladder stones , disease involving the kidneys , tumors or neoplasia of the genitourinary tract, and some blood dyscrasias.

Blood in the urine is identified as either microscopic hematuria (blood visible by microscope), or as gross hematuria where the blood is visible to the naked eye and appears in urine as a pink, red, or dark brown color. The actual color is dependant upon the pH level, and the amount of red blood cells that are present in the urine. Small clots may or may not also be present.

It is vital when witnessing blood in your rats urine, or if your rat shows signs of pain, to seek a veterinarian for treatment.

*Note*

Althought not common, rats that are frequently fed a lot of carrots, beets, or red berries in their diets may excrete a reddish color urine. This is called a pseudohematuria. Owners not familiar with this response may mistakenly believe it to be blood. It is important for the owner to note if any of these foods have been included in the rats diet just prior to observing urine that appears red.

Diagnositics

Obtain history from owner, that includes type of diet.

Test for occult blood if not visible

Obtain urine for culture.

Abdominal x-ray to rule out stones or neoplasia.

Complete blood count (CBC) and electrolytes.

Treatment

Treatment may range from therapy with antimicrobials to surgery depending on the cause.

For a list of antimicrobials, and anti-infectives see the Rat Medication Guide.

Pain medication if indicated. Refer to the Rat Medication Guide.

Nursing Care

Give prescribed medications as indicated by veterinarian.

Monitor pain and medicate appropriately.

House rat on light colored towels so that urine can be monitored.

Encourage fluid intake.

Outcome

Hematuria resolved.

Able to urinate without difficulty.

Remains free of pain.

Prevention

While there is no prevention for hematuria, proper treatment of underlying infections and conditions, and a healthy diet, will extend quality of life for your rat.

Urinary Tract Infections (lower)

Back to Urinary / Renal

Definition

An inflammation of the bladder (cystitis), or urethra (urethritis). The lower urinary tract consists of the urethra and the bladder.

Clinical Signs

May observe any of the following:

Unusual frequency in urination

Dampness of fur from urine around perineum

A firm and/or distended bladder

Blood or porphyrin in the urine

Foul smelling or cloudy urine

Note: Any rat showing clinical signs of a urinary tract infection requires immediate attention by veterinarian.

Etiology

Urinary tract infections can be caused by one or more of the following:

bacteria

fungal infections

parasites e.g.; bladder threadworm

The urinary tract, except for at the urethral o*****e (the opening to outside the body), is normally a sterile environment free of pathogens. Infections to the urinary tract are caused by the presence of pathogenic microorganisms. Some of the organisms (in most cases bacteria) responsible are often found to be normal intestinal or fecal flora, such as E. coli and klebsiella, or mycoplasma found in the reproductive system.

Bacteria may gain entrance to the urethra and bladder through an ascending infection from outside the body. If the infection is left untreated it can move up to the ureters to involve the kidneys (pyelonephritis). Bacteria that is already present in the bloodstream, may also gain access to kidneys, ureters, and bladder through what is called a descending infection.

Mechanisms of the urinary tract help to oppose infections. The urine itself is bacteriostatic and bactericidal to many pathogens. The normal pH level of urine and the osmolality of urine help to inhibit bacterial growth. The unobstructed urine stream also helps to wash pathogens from the bladder and out through the urethra. The bladder wall, too, is a defense mechanism helping to prevent bacteria from entering the blood or lymph.

Any changes that occur in these defense mechanisms such as in a pH that is more alkaline can result in a negative effect of its antibacterial activity. Also any obstruction that may block the flow of urine, such as stones or congenital abnormalities, can cause the urine to “dam up”. This not only sets up an environment for bacteria to grow, but constitutes and emergency since partial or incomplete obstruction can result in the dilation of the kidneys (hydronephrosis), or if complete obstruction, renal failure and death.

Factors that can predispose the rat to developing urinary tract infections and increasing the chance of recurring or chronic infection are:

any disorder that suppresses the immune system e.g.; diabetes

congenital (from birth) abnormalities of the urinary tract, e.g.; diverticula of the bladder or a pouching that allows urine to remain stasis.

blockages in the urinary tract such as stones (uroliths, calculi, crystals)

inability to maintain hygiene

For more information on blockages in the urinary tract due to stone formation see: Urolithiasis

For information regarding bladder threadworm see: Endoparasites.

Photo example of urinary tract infection and case history have been provided in the following figure:

Fig. 1: Case history describing urinary tract infection in 3 year old rat.

Diagnostics

Obtain history.

Obtain urine sample for culture and sensitivity. This can be done either in the office or by having the owner obtain sample at home by lining a small carrier floor with plastic and placing rat in carrier upon waking. Once rat has voided aspirate urine with a syringe for testing.  3

Treatment

For information pertaining to medications refer to the Rat Medication Guide.

The following are a list of some of the recommended antimicrobials based on urine culture:

Trimethoprim-sulfa (E. coli, klebsiella, staphylococcus)

Tetracycline (klebsiella, staphylococcus)

Augmentin/Clavamox (E.coli, group D streptococcus)

Enrofloxacin/Baytril (E. coli, pseudomonas, mycoplasma)

Fenbendazole, or Ivermectin (bladder threadworm)

Chronic or persistant infection may require long term antimicrobial therapy.

Nursing Care

Encourage fluids.

Refill drinking bottles daily with fresh water.

Continue course of antibiotic therapy as prescribed.

Cranberry juice may be given, however do not substitue this for fresh water, but rather give in addition too.

It is believed that cranberry juice is helpful in lowering the pH of urine, but large quantities would have to be taken to do so. Rather, studies have shown that the chemical in cranberries and cranberry juice can inhibit bacteria like E.coli from sticking to the mucosal surface of the bladder and allow the bacteria to be flushed out with the passing of urine.

See:

Cranberries help cystitis

Cranberry juice: University of Iowa Health Science Relations

Offer yogurt, Lactobacillus capsules/granules, or Bene-bac , while taking antibiotics, to help maintain normal gut flora.

Observe and contact veterinarian if infection does not resolve or if worsens.

Outcomes

Symptoms resolved.

Infection resolved / urine culture negative.

No ova / parasites in urine.

Rat is more comfortable.

Prevention

Treat any present infections or infestations as they arise.

Maintain clean cage environment.

Provide clean fresh water and a healthy diet daily.

For elderly male rats or male rats with hind limb paralysis inspect and clean any waxy plugs that may form in the p***s to prevent blockage of urine and bladder distention.

If rat experiences diarrhea, not only treat, but ensure the rat’s perineum is cleaned of any remaining excrement.

Urolithiasis

Back to Urinary / Renal

Definition

Urolithiasis is the formation of calculi , or the condition associated with urinary calculi.

The term calculi is synonymous with uroliths, stones, or crystals.

Clinical Signs

May observe any of the following:

Difficulty urinating.

Cloudy urine.

Dampness of fur from urine around perineum.

Foul odor.

Bladder distention.

Hematuria (blood in urine).

Absence of urination.

Frequent l*****g or nipping at genitals.

Listlessness or hunched posture.

Poor appetite.

Dehydration.

Signs of colicky type pain (intermittent spasms of pain).

Etiology

Urolithiasis is the presence of uroliths/calculi (stones) in the urinary tract.

These calculi are formed by deposits of polycrystalline aggregates composed of varied amounts of crystalloid and organic matrix. They can vary in size and may be found anywhere in the urinary tract from the kidney to the bladder.

For stone formation to occur it requires saturated urine dependent upon urine pH, and the concentration of the solute.

Different types of stones are:

Struvite, which is made up of magnesium ammonium phosphate. They are found in highly alkaline urine and often a concurrent urinary tract infection is present. They tend to be the most common type of urolith.

Calcium oxalate, and Cystine, found in acidic urine.

Ammonium acid urate, and Silicate uroliths, found in neutral to acidic urine.

Many stones are radio opaque and can be seen on X-ray.

The presence of clinical signs depends on the obstruction of urine, the presence of infection, and edema (swelling). Stones that cause obstruction to the flow of urine set up an environment of urine stasis and bacterial growth. The irritation caused by the stones results in secondary infections leading to pyelonepthritis (inflammation of the kidney) an upper urinary tract infection, or cystitis (inflammation of the bladder) and urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) a lower urinary tract infection.

Pain becomes present when a stone or stones produce an increase in hydrostatic pressure and distend the renal pelvis (hydronephrosis). Pain may seem sudden and appear to move downward from loin region towards the bladder or, in males, the t******e. This type of pain is often termed renal colic. When stones block a ureter, acute colicky type pain is noticed. The rat may have and urgency to urinate, to l**k at genitals, or to nip at self due to pain. Little if any urine may be passed and drops of blood may be seen due to the stones abrasive action when the urine is attempting to pass out through the urethra.

Though the cause of stone formation is hard to determine, some factors include a genetic predisposition , metabolic disorders such as diabetes, myelloproliferative disease like leukemia, or hypocalcaemia (abnormally high amounts of blood calcium), diet imbalance, a poor intake of water, parasites such as bladder thread worm , and bacterial infections such as E. coli , klebsiella, staphylococcus, or mycoplasma.

Other conditions that can lead to stone formation due to the retention and stasis of urine are anatomical defects, or pocketing in the bladder wall known as diverticula, and immobility due to stroke and hind limb paralysis.

Stones are often more commonly found in males than females due to a longer urethra. Also, once stone formation has been found to exist, and if treatment is able to resolve the stones that are present, it is known that there is still a high rate of recurrence.

The treatment for stones depends on their type and location in the urinary tract. In some cases antimicrobials are used to help dissolve stones. In cases where the antimicrobials alone will not resolve the stones because they are too large or too many, the following surgical procedures may be used: a cystotomy for extracting bladder stones, a urethotomy for extracting stones obstructing the urethra, or a nephrotomy for extracting stones from the kidney. Removing lodged stones from the kidney, ureter, or urethra in rats is difficult at best though not impossible. Without treatment or the ability to be able to remove the stones that cause complete blockage of urine flow, renal failure quickly develops and death rapidly follows. Euthanasia may need to be considered where pain can not be resolved or the quality of life becomes a factor.

Photos of stone formation and case history can be seen in the following figures.

Fig. 1: Case history and bladder stones.

Fig. 2 Necropsy photos (graphic) of bladder stones.

Diagnostics

Obtain history that may include: genetic background if known, any recent or ongoing illness, diet, absence of urine or presence of hematuria, presence of and type of pain, and amount of fluid intake.

Palpate bladder to determine distention.

Obtain urinalysis, and culture.

Obtain abdominal x-ray.

CBC for signs of dehydration or infection.

Electrolytes or Biochem profile for signs of hypocalcaemia, hyperkalemia, azotemia.

Treatment

If bladder is distended perform cystocentesis with 25g. over-the-needle catheter to relieve bladder of urine. Because of the seriousness of this procedure it should only be performed by a veterinarian!

Provide sedative, or muscle relaxant to control pain.

Give IV or SQ fluids if dehydration is present. Fluid therapy should be conservative until obstruction relieved and there is urine output.

Evaluate if surgery is practical to remove bladder stones or blockage.

Treat underlying disease processes that may be present, such as diabetes.

Treat urinary tract infections with antimicrobials such as:

enrofloxacin

tetracycline

trimethoprim sulfa

chloramphenicol

gentamicin

Treat parasite with systemic ivermectin or fenbendazole.

For more information on medications refer to the Rat Medication Guide

If alteration in nutrition required instruct to reduce amount of protein and calcium content in diet.

Discuss euthanasia if quality of life impaired.

Nursing Care

Monitor intake of fluid amount and urinary output.

Medicate for pain as prescribed.

Continue antibiotic therapy as prescribed.

Correct diet to include reduced protein and calcium content.

Outcome

Able to remove stone blockage.

Underlying infection treated and resolved.

Diet and Nutrition corrected.

Comfort owner if euthanasia of pet required.

Prevention

Stones are often difficult to prevent. Proper treatment of underlying infections and conditions, and a healthy diet, may help to reduce the potential to stone formation.

I know that this is alot of reading but it might give you some insight on why your rattie died. This health guide has helped me out more times than I can count.

Answer 6

It could of been what the vets said but often antibiotics can kill them,as i can be just too much to them. I am very sorry for your loss,i understand how you feel.I have heard that female rats can leek blood due to womb cancer but male rats are easy to tell so i wasn't that. Though it could of been a kind of cancer,inside. Anyway sadly there is of course,nothing you can do, may your rat rest in peace.Hope this helps.

Answer 7

Don't feel guilty-its really not your fault and you did all you could have done! I think he probably did have a urine infection or bladder problem but it would not be because of poor diet ect. the average rat doesn't live long so maybe it was because he was old and this was his last illness.

Answer 8

I am not sure what happened to him but don't feel guilty. It sounds like you cared for him very well. I don't know if he was dehydrated (not getting enough fluids)

I had a hairless rats and left them for my niece to care for after a week, I came home and they were all lethargic, laying around so I was so upset I gave them mashed potatoes with green beans and plenty of water and they perked right up. One of them later had laid around at a different time and I took him to the vet and put him on antibiotics and he was fine after that. He only lived to be about 2 years old and then I had to put him to sleep because he grew a big tumor on the right side of his head. It was the saddest day for me. Rats don't live very long any way.