Pet rat is dying of old age?

Question

I've had both my female rats for a year now, but I got them from a pet store, so I don't know how old they were when I got them.

One rat, Lark, has always been smaller and leaner than the other rat, Fang.

Recently, whenever I pass by the cage, Fang is always at the bars begging for attention, but Lark is almost always asleep at the bottom of the cage. I didn't think anything of it, I just though Fang was getting to be more active.

However, I did notice that whenever I took the rats out to play on the couch, they would both run around for a bit, but then Lark would get really sleepy and just lay down. It was hot then, so I thought she was just warm and wanted to rest.

Today I took Fang out to play, as Lark was sleeping again. About ten minutes later, Lark woke up and I took her out too, but when I picked her up, she felt /so/ light and bony. I put her on the couch and she went over and buried herself in a blanket and went back to sleep.

I finally put the two things together and now I really notice that she's lost a lot of weight, and is not anywhere near as active as she used to be.

I'm really worried that she's not going to make it to the end of the month, but she does seem to be eating and drinking, so what can I do to help her? Certain foods, ways to make her comfortable, anything really.

I just want her to get better, but I know rats don't live that long, so I'm not expecting her to really "recover" from this...

Answer 1

First, are there any other strange or peculiar sympoms? Like sneezing, noisy breathing, poryphorin (looks red like blood) around nose or eyes, constant scratching?

Feel around, are there any lumps at all? It is so common for females to develop tumors, and certian tumors literally will suck them dry in both fat and muscle tone. This eventually causes lethargy. Sometimes, a lump may exist, but cannot be felt if it is burried in there somewhere.

While on this topic, a skin discoloration might indicate cancer. I have had some females have a small blackened smudge under the fur which was cancerous. Cancer can also cause the same symptoms tumors do.

The most important thing right now is to keep her hydrated! Rats do very poorly in heat and with dehydration. Make sure she keeps drinking. If she is fine, when you gently pinch her skin, it should snap back in place. If it slowly sinks back or just stays that way, than she needs water, and preferbly sugar. Honey diluted in water is good. In case she has trouble eating, you can feed her some soft snacks like cooked pasta or baby food mixes and such, but just to keep her strengths up.

I think more than anything, it is a tumor. Female rats are very prone to them, and this is exactly what happens to all my ill girls. And unfortunately as its growth progresses, she will go downhill. I tend to euthanize them when they get too disabled. But Lark sounds in pretty good shape so far.

Answer 2

If she's sleeping a lot and isn't eating, you need to get her to a vet ASAP.  They can help you figure out if anything is wrong and if anything can be done.  If she's still eating, but just not as much, make a mixture of scrambled eggs and cooked rice.  It will provide more protein and it's pretty tasty to rats.  Make sure she's getting enough water as well, you might have to dribble some in her mouth if she's not doing it herself.  Dehydration is a bigger concern than starvation, as it can occur much quicker.

How old is your rat?  Rats live to be between 2-4 though based on forums and whatnot, it seems that most rats live to be closer to 2 than 4.  Most often rats do not die during their sleep naturally, they basically get to a point that they can't care for themselves anymore or are in too much pain to go on and need to be euthanized.  You need to be prepared that your vet might suggest this if your rat is no longer eating.

I agree with the answerer above: most definitely check for lumps.  Females are pretty prone to mammary tumors (big lumps that will continue to grow) and pituitary tumors (in the brain).  Classic pituitary tumors leave the rat confused and have forearm weakness.  You'll notice your rat not holding food or holding it strangely.

The Rat Guide is a good site to inspect regarding various problems with rats.  http://www.ratguide.com

Check these pages for info on mammary tumors and pituitary tumors.

http://ratguide.com/health/neoplasia/mam...

http://ratguide.com/health/neoplasia/pit...

Hope that helps and good luck!

Answer 3

i got my rat from a pet store and she lived about 3 1/2 years with me. they are usually really young at pet stores, but your vet could tell the approx. age.

Answer 4

You can usually tell when a rat starts to get old and sick because they do start to sleep a bit more and they do get really skinny very suddenly. They loose alot of weight, and their coat loses condition.

Rats are supposed to have a life expectancy of at least 2 years but I have only ever had one make it that far, unfortunately. Some just dont seem to last as long as others. Sometimes they can have tumors that pop up overnight - cancer is very common- particularly in female rats, so it is possible that she does have a tumor developing.

You should take her to your vet and ask for some advice- they should be able to diagnose any problem, or euthanase her if she is really sick and in pain.

As long as she has lots of nice warm bedding, access to food and water (her favorite foods are always a nice treat- try giving them sweet baby foods, fresh fruit and viggies, etc) and she should be comfortable.

Answer 5

If your rat is exhibiting these symptoms, you as a responsible rat owner should take her to the vets office and ask them what might be causing the symptoms. If she has cancer and is dying, you may have to make the hard choice to have her euthanized when the time is right, so she doesn't suffer in her last days.  

Answer 6

iidk consult a vet i doesnt seem sick just tired  

Answer 7

im not helping much but my dad always says an ill rodent should drink milk