Ratty seems to have had a stroke

[OrmIrian]

She's 2 so I suppose getting on in ratty terms. But otherwise fit and healthy up till now. Yesterday I found her on her side unable to get up. She has lost all movement on her left side and can only shuffle round in circles. It's heartbreaking . DS#1 and I had a good old sob yesterday. I thought (hoped ) she might die last night but she's still strong. Not eating or drinking. DH is taking her to the vets this afternoon.

Anyone had any experience of this? I suspect very will simply put her down but she's not very knowledgeable about rats - this one was the first one she'd treated when she hurt her tail. Is there any chance she will get better - human stroke patients sometimes do? Or an I clutching at straws.

It's the other one we were worried about. She has lost lots of weight and has a lump on her belly. But she seems 100% fine - if a little agitated atm.

I don't know about rats but I suspect it would be right to put her down. Sorry for you. I understand that they are lovely pets.

Awww, I've lost both of mine now, luckily they just went in the night so didn't have to see them suffer. Strokes and tumours are really common aren't they? It sounds like it would be kinder to let her go at that age

Thanks both of you.

It just seems so hard when she was running around happily yesterday morning. She is still so sleek and healthy. However I suspect you are right

My friend's dog died after a stroke a few weeeks ago. He had been completely healthy and lively until it happened. He was alive under observation at the vet's for a while but then he had to be put down.

bubblerock - can I ask you as a previous rat owner, did you introduce a new rat when the first died? I am not sure what to do. The one that is left has been with her sister since she was born and I'm afraid it will be very hard for her to be alone.

Made a vets appointment. Not hopeful. Poor little Shy.

God I'm so soft. Keep getting tearful at my desk.

If a female rat loses alot of weight and gets lumps they can be tumours - especially if the doe has never had babies.

They can be operated on - one of mine had two lumps removed 6 weeks apart but she was about 18 months so not as old as your girl. The vet will be able to tell you if it's possible.

As for her pal i don't think there's much you can do other than give her a peaceful end.

sorry.

Just seen your question to bubble. I personally wouldn't introduce a new girl rat as she's unwell and getting on a bit.

The new rat might get very dominant - that's just me though.

Thankyou portblack.

Yes I guessed it was tumours but she seems fine in every other way so I thought I'd leave her for a while. I suspect the vet would simply want to put her to sleep and I can't see that her quality of life is poor yet.

That was what worried me about getting a new one. I just feel for the one left alone.

Oh here I go again.... like a bloody tap

Mine were brothers and the one that was left died about 3 months after the other one so he was alone in that time. I was worried that he would be lonely but he was fine, he spent a lot more time out of his cage with us though. I'm glad I didn't get another rat now as it would be alone now and I'd have ended up in a cycle of replacing them.

Thanks bubble.

We'll leave Nosey alone then. I suspect she won't be much longer anyway. Then we'll see whether to replace them or not. I'd like to as they have been lovely lovely little beasts - so much better than I expected. But it's up to DS#1 as much as anything.

Thanks bubble.

We'll leave Nosey alone then. I suspect she won't be much longer anyway. Then we'll see whether to replace them or not. I'd like to as they have been lovely lovely little beasts - so much better than I expected. But it's up to DS#1 as much as anything.

Apparently there is a chance it is an inner ear infection. And even if it's a stroke she may improve a lot. According to several fancy rats sites I've looked on. Rang DH to make sure vet doesn't dragoon him into having her bumped off too quickly

Aww, lets hope she's okay. Our ratties used to walk along the sofa where Charlie's cage was and he used to try and call them over saying 'watties, watties, ello watties ) I caught him doing it earlier (even though we don't have them anymore) but it's not a very good copy as the TV is on in the background. It's HERE if I have done the link right!

bubble.

That's fantastic!

Fingers crossed for your little one Orm.

DH and DS#1 took her. Vet said it was almost certainly a stroke. He gave her some anti-inflammatories and anti-biotic and told us to keep an eye - she might make it, she might not . If she's going to improve it will be clear by tomorrow evening. DS#1 was sobbing so I suspect that influenced the vet somewhat.

So..wait and see.

She ate some chocolate though

Spoil her rotten - christ, their lives are short enough as it is, might aswell enjoy it!

Yeah! She's vaguely nibbling on some cheese now Looking brighter and her back leg has almost normal movement now. Her sister lies next to her (or on her) most of the time.

Just seen this Orm, I'm sorry about Shy , hope she pulls through. It sounds as if she's a fighter.

Is it really 2 years since you got them? . Doesn't time fly? [old gimmer sucking on teeth emoticon]

Give them both a gentle stroke from me.

Oh shit, oh shit! Sorry . Not the right words to use .

Give them a gentle ratty pat on the head from me.

Sorry.

Hiya oggs.

rofl at stroke

I remember our talks about our rats when we first got them. It is amazing how it's flown by. They seem so healthy I can't beleive they are actually quite old now.

We're hopeful but not very TBH

She seems a little better tonight. More keen to drink, more interested in what's going in, even eating a little. DD and her friend sat on the beg feeding her mashed potato that DH has cooked.

Yay!

Hope that she pulls through.

Hip Hip Hoorat!

Is her back leg back to normal now?

Nearl oggs. She's still lopsided but happy and lop-sided. Now eating banana