Sick Rat

[afpherian]

Greetings

I have a dumbo eared rat that is about 1 year old. She is usually a very hyper and very curious rat. Usually shes all over the place all the time whenever I go anywhere near the cage.

I went to take her out today, however, and realized that she was just sleeping and wouldn't get up. Usually when I open the door to her cage shes right there. This time, she didnt even raise her head to look at me.

I took her out of her cage to get a good look at her. Her eyes arent watery and dont have any goopy stuff in them - they look clear. Her nose also looks free of discharge. She doesnt have any growths or swelling that I can see. I didnt see any injuries.

When I take her out, she usually zooms all over the place, but today she just curled up on the couch and went to sleep. All she has been doing all day is sleeping. I had not seen her eat at all so I gave her some corn and carrots. She ate both (especially the corn -which is a fav of hers). As soon as I put the food away though, she went right back to sleeping. She also periodically makes little sqeaking noises as shes breathing. Just a bit ago she tucked her head under her and seemed to be sleeping, but she was also making a sqeaky noise as she slept. Im really worried but dont know what to do. This really isnt like her at all. Has anyone else here had this problem?

Any suggestions on anything I can do?

[Jade]

She needs to see a vet familiar with exotic/small pets. I would get her in first thing in the morning, if not tonight due to the noisy breathing.

In the meantime keep her warm and quiet, encouraging her to eat and drink.

[afpherian]

I've been watching her a lot and she will do the noisy breathing for 30 secs-1 min, then go quiet again. I've got her in a warm place by the heater in our bedroom and put in a soft cloth for her to sleep on. I've given her corn and carrot twice today and tried to encourage her to drink. She hasn't been interested in her dry food. Im going to see if I can get her to the vet soon. She was fine yesterday. Poor Meaki.

[mulder]

ditto, best wishes and let us know how the vet trip goes!

[Vanilla_Rat]

The noises while she breaths is a sign of a RI.She will need to see a vet.

[VetTek]

Hope everything goes ok with the vet! Let us know what they say. Bring her in right away!

[afpherian]

I just thought I'd let you folks know that Meaki is doing very well. Monday morning she got up and ate some food on her own and drank and by the afternoon she was testing out her wheel. She was a bit groggy still, but seemed to wake up quickly and be more curious. Today, shes nearly back to her old hyper self. Shes just as curious as ever and looks very alert. I also haven't heard any breathing noises or looks of labored breathing. I'm definitely very relieved. She made a very quick recovery.