Why did my healthy rat of about 1 year and 4 months dies so suddenly??

Question

I have (or had should I say) two gorgeous albino rats. They were in the pet shop about a year ago - almost adult when I got them (approx 4 months) as people want babies - so I gave them a good home straight away. The woman said that one of them sneezed a lot but it was fine. So I have had them for about a year now, and today I went to get them out and one had curled up and died. He looks very pieceful and he doesn't have a mark on him - I just don't understand. I'm so upset. He was fine last night when I cleaned them out - and their diet has always been so healthy and balanced. On occations his breathing did seem a bit funny, but it would pass and he would be fine. I put it down to him sneezing almost and it wasn't frequent at all, otherwise I would have taken him to the vets. I've taken my other one twice for other things as I've never wanted to risk anything! Could it have been something to do with his lungs/breathing?? Does anyone have any ideas?? From a very upset Sarah X

Answer 1

maybe he got a cold and did not show it for a while. He also could have a sickness. i hope i helped :)

Thanks,

peace_love_life21

Answer 2

Are you definite it's dead? Any way it could have lung trouble and couldn't breathe. I'm not an expert, but I think this is likely.

Answer 3

Maybe he had a respiratory infection

Answer 4

Rats, like many animals, are adept at hiding symptoms so it can be hard to see if you don't know what you are looking for. It is not really normal for a rat to sneeze a lot. It sounds as though he had a respiratory infection. It is also possible that your rat had micoplasma - most rats have been exposed and this slowly progressing respiratory illness damages the lungs over time. If you ever suspect your other rat is not breathing right, take him to the vet just to be sure. If you catch it in time, most respiratory infections can be treated with Baytril / Doxycyclene.

Sorry for the loss of your rat!