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.

That's good.

Hmm.. she's back on all 4 paws. More or less level again! Hurray! But she's very listless and has red stuff coming out of her eyes and nose which is apparently a sign of stress or illness. Now I know she's been ill but she seems more unhappy than when she couldn't walk. Very odd. I think I may get home to find a little dead body

Poor thing

How is she today?

Well I think she's better. Still a bit lop-sided - every now and again she rolls over. But her good eye is bright and beady again, she;s eating with difficulty and moving around and drinking. Hurray!

I am cautiously optimistic

Nosey, the other one is beginning to look ill now. I can hardly bear to go in a see them

Oh no

DH and DS#1 have just taken them to the vets. Not expecting to see them again My lovely girls.

Oh bugger . Any news?

They were put to sleep oggs . Apparently it wasn't a stroke but an infection that got into their brains. If we had continued with the anti-bs instead of just one injection it might have helped. But too late now.

And no-one apart from me wants anymore Their empty cage is calling to me....

Sorry to hear this OrmIrian.

Poor Nosey and Shy.

Oh shit . I'm so sorry. Poor wee things.

Do you think you will get any more or have the dc lost interest now?

I remember how excited you were when you got them.

Well oggs. I'd get some more but DS#1 doesn't want to replace them. DD isn't bothered. DS#2 does but he tends to throttle furry things with love so not the best owner

DH thinks that my reaction to all this indicates we shouldn't get any more and I can see his point. But I'm going to see if I can talk anyone else round...

Perhaps best just to give it a bit of time?

Hope you can come to a decision that you are all happy with.

Just read this all and am really sad for you.

Thankyou MadameCheese.

So sorry about your ratties. Having had our 3 boys for 3 months now, I can see how attached you become to them. They are such sweet little things.
I hope you manage to talk your family around.

Thanks haggis.

Yes I was surprised by how lovable they were.

Awww, I've only just seen this, I'm sorry Orm, that's so sad - poor ratties

so sorry to hear about your little ratties what a thing to happen we lost our bunny yesterday so understand. We aren't going to replace her either. Have yet to clear out and freecycle her hutch

Thanks lily and bubble.

lily - I saw your rabbit thread and really felt for you. It's sh*t isn't it

I am still working on getting more. Only problem is that the only space for the cage in in the boys room and if DS#1 doesn't want more it's a bit tricky. Or the dining room but I suspect DH would say no to that. I just can't bear to think that there'll be no more little ratties in that cage.