|
Cute rat pics on the last page  One of my guys has pneumonia, we went to the vet today. Anyone know much about his prognosis? He'll be on baytril for a while.
|
#
?
Aug 9, 2011 06:50
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 16, 2024 02:39 |
|
|
One of my 4 month old rats (black eyed siamese) just died suddenly tonight. One minute he was perfectly fine and then maybe ten minutes later when we went to check on them again, we found him in his hut, curled up like he was sleeping, but dead.  My husband and I are completely floored. His twin brother seems otherwise fine, and the other 2 are good, too. He never, ever expressed any sign of illness and he was such a little sweetheart. I'm starting to understand why some rat owners can't take it anymore. The pain of losing these little guys is too much.Has anyone ever had them die so young suddenly? Or just suddenly at all? Goddamnit, rats, why can't you live forever?
|
|
#
?
Aug 10, 2011 04:50
|
|
|
Ah I'm sorry. He may have had a heart problem or something that just happened suddenly. That sucks. My pneumonia-rat is breathing quite heavily and a bit lethargic, but he's eating and drinking by himself. He's lost weight but slowly over a couple of months. I feel like I could have caught it earlier but he was acting like his normal self until a couple of days ago when he's started to get a bit more lethargic. I'm trying to give him some steam a couple of times a day, baby food a couple of times a day, and keep the house and cage warm. Along with the antibiotics. He wants to be held all the time and keeps trying to open the cage door I let him snuggle up with me while I'm sitting and give him his food then, I think he's enjoying the special attention. I can't hold you all day, Dexter!I don't know much about pneumonia though, I wonder how many rats recover from it.
|
|
#
?
Aug 10, 2011 07:48
|
|
|
Ohh, I'm sorry to hear that. I hate to say it, but these things just sort of happen with animals, not to mention people. Sometimes they just die early for little to no reason. I can't help but agree with you there, though, in wishing rats would just live forever.
|
|
#
?
Aug 10, 2011 11:59
|
|
|
Thanks for the sympathies. I'm just happy he seems to have died in his sleep and hopefully didn't suffer through too much. I had just fixed my husband's Flip cam and was going through the old videos we had of my older ratties when he told me. Maybe it was a sign that he was frolicking in rat heaven with his predecessors.  Eh. Nah. In rat heaven, I'm sure they're all just lounging in hammocks and chewing on cardboard boxes instead.Big Bug Hug, my Indy boy always wanted to get out of the cage and crawl into my arms when he was sick, too. He was never that cuddly when he was healthy, but once he started getting special treatment like baby food and medicine, too, he was suddenly captain clingy. I eventually just gave in and put him in a hoody pocket so he could tour around the house with me and he seemed to be happy with that. One of my other rats that had pneumonia seemed to recover from it after maybe a week of baytril and doxycycline. He instantly started gaining weight again and it was great to see him bounce back even though he was about 1 year 8 months old.
|
|
#
?
Aug 10, 2011 14:51
|
|
|
Good to know they can recover, thanks. I only have Baytril though, maybe if I don't see improvement in a week I'll ask for something extra.
|
|
#
?
Aug 10, 2011 23:02
|
|
|
I'm scared about losing my girls. They are such entertaining little creatures and so full to the brim with personality and humour. I'm so attached to them even though they are 'just rats'. Here is a video of Mishka stealing an apple from my bedside table and then trying to find it when she rolls it off the bed. Silly rat! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAvh36nOAS0
|
|
#
?
Aug 11, 2011 00:52
|
|
|
Hehe. I like how she comes to you expecting you to fix it for her  One of the things I worry about is my daughter, she's 10 and she loves the rats. From the beginning I've told her they only live about 3 years and I've told her exactly whats going on now that Dexter is sick, but I know she's going to be terribly upset when we have one die - as will I. I suppose its just part of growing up though.
|
|
#
?
Aug 11, 2011 01:17
|
|
|
Took Pepper in, and it turns out that he most likely rapidly developed diffused fat deposits, making him appear like a woodchuck. He weights 550g, not sure if that constitutes for a fat rat but his fat/muscle ratio is off, leaning toward the fat side. My vet told me just to watch the area, and to have him lose a little bit a weight. If only I could get him to stop perching on the shelf like a bird and get active like his naked brother. Update: This sucks, this really sucks. On Thursday afternoon Pepper's face swelled like a balloon. I scheduled to have an appointment on Friday at 4pm. I attempted to treat him with ibuprofen, 50mg every 4 hours, but it did not help with the swelling He died 2 hours before his appointment. I hate it because I could have gotten him into emergency on Thursday night, but over the phone my veterinary hospital told me that they would "have to squeeze me in" during other appointments made that day and I didn't want to burden them. I should have been more assertive and insisted to get in on Thursday night. His life could have been saved and I can't get over that. He died from a severe allergic reaction, I am not sure from what. I am thinking that he got bit by a bug. The vet couldn't figure out what it was, nor could I... 
Baika fucked around with this message at 00:28 on Aug 14, 2011 |
|
#
?
Aug 11, 2011 04:04
|
|
|
Just watched one of my girls put herself away. She had leaped back on top of the cage and was climbing up the top door, when she apparently leaned too far back or something and pulled it closed with herself on the inside. She was okay, but very confused as to why she was in the cage again.
|
|
#
?
Aug 11, 2011 21:20
|
|
|
New rats! I got these guys off of craigstlist. When I first had them, the hairless one had his eyes completely crusted over with eye infections and the dumbo was gasping for air due to an untreated respiratory infection. They look better now. Wolfgang checking out Sputnik.  Mario is unimpressed by idiot dog.  You know you have rats when your window sill looks like one giant chew toy.  Mario! 
|
|
#
?
Aug 12, 2011 17:19
|
|
|
How long did it take you to cure those guys? Seeing rats frolicking on beds always makes me want to put them in mind, but I don't want piddle in my bed.  Anyway, here's Wex amusing me in a small box 
|
|
#
?
Aug 13, 2011 05:54
|
|
|
The eye infection cleared up in two weeks with eye drops. The respiratory infection is an ongoing issue. We're on week 4 of antibiotics and 1x a day albuterol nebulization. Fun stuff.
|
|
#
?
Aug 13, 2011 05:58
|
|
|
dustbin posted:Seeing rats frolicking on beds always makes me want to put them in mind, but I don't want piddle in my bed. I used to just toss one of my $4 fleece blankets from IKEA over top of my comforter. The boys eventually got better about peeing on stuff and I stopped bothering with the blanket. They liked to hide behind my pillow and peek out at me 
|
|
#
?
Aug 13, 2011 16:57
|
|
|
Could be worse. One of my male ratties used to... enjoy himself a little too much one one of my pillows. Caked. With. Jizz.
|
|
#
?
Aug 13, 2011 18:29
|
|
|
I use an old blanket over my bed in the day time for them to roam around as well and just put my quilt on right before I go to bed. It's effort but it's worth it, they love the bed and also enjoy hiding behind pillows, too. My vet did a necropsy on my recently deceased rat (for free, too, because the vet I go to is amazing) and he discovered he died of cardiomyopathy. It's still sad, but comforting to know he died instantly and peacefully and there was nothing that could have been done about it. Rest easy, little Chip.
|
|
#
?
Aug 13, 2011 21:45
|
|
|
Baika posted:Update: This sucks, this really sucks. On Thursday afternoon Pepper's face swelled like a balloon. I scheduled to have an appointment on Friday at 4pm. I attempted to treat him with ibuprofen, 50mg every 4 hours, but it did not help with the swelling He died 2 hours before his appointment. I hate it because I could have gotten him into emergency on Thursday night, but over the phone my veterinary hospital told me that they would "have to squeeze me in" during other appointments made that day and I didn't want to burden them. I should have been more assertive and insisted to get in on Thursday night. His life could have been saved and I can't get over that. Edit: This page is sad. As an update, my Dexter is still going after a week of antibiotics, his breathing is still laboured but he is a fair bit more energetic - before he wouldnt climb up or down the ramps and last night he was jumping/climbing up the cage sides and whatnot like his old self. He isn't eating much in the way of rat food but that might be because he's holding out for the baby food I've been giving him. He still tries to get out of the cage and wants to be held all the time. Not sure how long I should leave it to see how much he improves, I hate to think he's uncomfortable or in pain with that harsh breathing and his quality of life isn't as good as it could be. But he definitely hasnt gotten any worse, and he seems to be maintaining his weight okay. Big Bug Hug fucked around with this message at 04:36 on Aug 16, 2011 |
|
#
?
Aug 14, 2011 14:44
|
|
|
So first it was Jack, now Hurley has a respiratory infection. But the good news is he takes his medicine right out of the syringe like it's the best treat ever.
|
|
#
?
Aug 17, 2011 03:10
|
|
|
Dexter is not doing great, he's been desperate to escape the cage, had escaped when I woke up this morning and was lying under a blanket on the floor. I'm holding him as much as I can and letting him chill in a blanket on the bed, but he keeps getting in a panic when his breathing is bad. When this happens he tries to get on me - he jumped about a foot which he has never done in his LIFE, to get to me. If I'm holding him he tries to jump away. I've had to hold him to stop him falling on the floor. Its killing me seeing him like that. I was able to get him to take his medicine with some baby food and sat in the shower with steam going for a while which calmed him down enough to rest, but I'm worried he's going to be panicking on and off like this. His vet isn't in today, I already called. I'm able to see a different vet, who doesnt specialise in exotics. I am really torn between trying to hold out til tomorrow - which would then be adding another antibiotic/treatments and hoping for the best, or booking in tonight to put him to sleep. I just don't want him to suffer, and I definitely don't want him to die in a panic. Anyone got any words of advice? Edit Decided to have him put to sleep, the vet concurred
Big Bug Hug fucked around with this message at 07:33 on Aug 18, 2011 |
|
#
?
Aug 18, 2011 03:07
|
|
|
So, a couple of questions: Where's the cheapest (and most reliable) place to snatch up a Critter Nation cage? and also, does anyone know of a cheap place to have rats spayed/nuetered in the raleigh, NC area?
|
|
#
?
Aug 18, 2011 15:54
|
|
|
I'm so sorry Big Bug Hug. August has not been a kind month to rats so far. At least the little guy's not suffering anymore.
|
|
#
?
Aug 18, 2011 16:20
|
|
|
The Phantom Goat posted:and also, does anyone know of a cheap place to have rats spayed/nuetered in the raleigh, NC area? Hey NC buddy! You can try New Hope Animal Hospital in Durham. Kay Bishop runs Carolina Pet Rescue and spays and neuters rats. Avian and Exotic will do it too but it'll run you a mint.
|
|
#
?
Aug 18, 2011 18:51
|
|
|
Rodent Mortician posted:Hey NC buddy! You can try New Hope Animal Hospital in Durham. Kay Bishop runs Carolina Pet Rescue and spays and neuters rats. Avian and Exotic will do it too but it'll run you a mint. Yea, i'm not a huge fan of Avian. Decent enough place, but they're prices are ridiculous.
|
|
#
?
Aug 18, 2011 19:43
|
|
|
I'm a huge fan of Dr. Bishop. Definitely go to New Hope Animal Hospital if you can. She's very experienced with rats and has them as pets herself. Avian and Exotic wasn't the best place to get rats seen. I went there years ago to have my first rat put down and it was pretty brutal. They're not up to date on humane euthanasia practices. Also a neuter cost me ~$300 on top of the $60 exam fee. Edit: My reading skills are the best today. If you're near NCSU, go to Dr. Grant at Lake Wheeler Veterinary Hospital. She did neuters at a very reasonable price, I can't remember the exact amount off the top of my head now. You can also try Dixie Trail Animal Clinic. I've never gotten any surgical procedures done there but Dr. Brown was very experienced with rats. She's the only vet that will tell me when my rats are getting too fat. buffybot fucked around with this message at 21:42 on Aug 19, 2011 |
|
#
?
Aug 19, 2011 21:33
|
|
|
What would Dr Brown say where the borderline weight for a fat rat? I would like to know this too for reference, in case if my rats get chubby. I am looking to adopt either a spayed girl or a neutered young boy from a rat rescue 4 hours away up in Washington, she hasn't replied to my email though. I may call and ask. I have a week off in September and will be making a trip to get a new friend for Bandit http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/20597569  Same name, same ears, same coat except shes a girl and rex.
|
|
#
?
Aug 20, 2011 04:32
|
|
|
Depends on whether you mean male or female. One of mine is 550g and he has little chubby rolls, and I wouldnt want him to get any fatter. But girl rats are meant to be much smaller.
|
|
#
?
Aug 20, 2011 08:09
|
|
|
Hot day, time for frozen pea bobbing.    Zinc's the fattest so he's the only one that stands still long enough to get a picture
|
|
#
?
Aug 22, 2011 00:39
|
|
|
Indigestable posted:Hot day, time for frozen pea bobbing. Everyone should do this for their rats. You have no idea how adorable it is until you see it.
|
|
#
?
Aug 22, 2011 08:06
|
|
|
 
|
|
#
?
Aug 22, 2011 09:43
|
|
|
I'm glad to find this thread. In HS I had a rat for a little over three years. He was great. I missed owning a rat. We brought this girl home last night. She is so sweet. After reading several suggestions about having at least two, I'm thinking of going back tonight and getting one of her littermates. 
|
|
#
?
Aug 22, 2011 15:01
|
|
|
I brought home two little 3 week old babies last night! They are from Bellaratta's Nest rattery. I had brought Mulder out to see her to be analyzed for his breeding potential and I fell in love with these two. Mom's already stopped feeding them and they are fully weaned. Bella knows about my history with young babies and trusts me to make sure they're properly socialized. They are already so sweet and really chill for their age.  This is Badger. He is an adventurous little Houdini but is completely chill with being held, he already dangles and is ok with being held on his back and having his belly kissed or tickled.      This little guy doesn't have a name yet! I've got a couple of ideas but nothing has stuck yet. I'm open to suggestions!  OMG little dude, lookit those whiskers!    Such a little kissy monster!     Awww, so sleepy  So far I was thinking of these as names. Arthur, because his Dad's name is Merlin and this little guy got his big blaze. Jayne, because Badger is a character from Firefly (he was named after the animal though) and Jayne is a badass. Bobby or Castiel to continue the Supernatural theme in honor of Sam and Dean. I miss those two so much. I guess Crowley would be appropriate since he's played by the same actor as Badger was. I've already had an Alex, a Skinner and a Mulder so I'm pretty much out of X-files names for boys. I could call him Dogget but I pretty much prefer to pretend those seasons don't exist. Like I said though, I have plenty of ideas but nothing has stuck yet so feel free to suggest something.
|
|
#
?
Aug 22, 2011 18:30
|
|
|
SuperTwo posted:
Looks like a "Newton" to me Such a cutie
|
|
#
?
Aug 22, 2011 22:29
|
|
|
New rats! I'm happy! I am going to Sydney today to pick out a new cagemate(s) for my boys. I <3 baby rats.
|
|
#
?
Aug 22, 2011 22:34
|
|
|
SuperTwo posted:I brought home two little 3 week old babies last night! They are from Bellaratta's Nest rattery. I had brought Mulder out to see her to be analyzed for his breeding potential and I fell in love with these two. Mom's already stopped feeding them and they are fully weaned. Bella knows about my history with young babies and trusts me to make sure they're properly socialized. They are already so sweet and really chill for their age. every single one of these pics make me want to die of cuteness overload
|
|
#
?
Aug 23, 2011 01:24
|
|
|
welcome to our home! this is patty mayonnaise  we are learning so much together  thants. gbye all!
|
|
#
?
Aug 23, 2011 01:30
|
|
|
I need a little help from some more experienced rat owners. I was a happy owner of two rats until, after a fight with cancer, the older of the pair died not long ago. His buddy, Flexo, seems to be doing well enough, but is obviously now alone. I love him to death and want him to be happy and stimulated, but socializing him with a new rat at this awkward time in his life (he's a little over two now) seems like taking a step onto an endless conveyor belt of rats, each one intended to keep the previous one company. Is there a way I can keep him happy on his own? Should I suck it up and find another boy? I know shelters are an option, but I'd feel terrible about giving him up unless I know it's the absolutely right thing to do.
|
|
#
?
Aug 23, 2011 11:29
|
|
|
This is possibly bad advice, but it's something I've been considering now I'm down to two girls. They will not be happy on their own, so I was thinking about either getting a new pair when one of them passes on, or even getting three so I'm back up to the number I originally had. Luckily my cage is more than big enough for this, and my girls are of a great temperament and shouldn't take issue.
|
|
#
?
Aug 23, 2011 11:39
|
|
|
I always have at least three rats so that one is never left alone. If you do not want to have rats in perpetuity though, that is not really helpful. At his age I would just keep him alone and shower him with attention if another rat is absolutely not an option. Alone in a loving and familiar environment is preferable to dying of old age in a shelter, in my opinion. Again -- just my opinion -- I could not upend the entire life of an elderly rat like that.
|
|
#
?
Aug 23, 2011 20:17
|
|
|
Jin Wicked posted:At his age I would just keep him alone and shower him with attention if another rat is absolutely not an option. Seriously, this. Just love him until he dies, then decide if you want to go through the whole cycle again. Some of us (i.e. me) just can't, so we live vicariously through this thread (see: rat babies posted above!  ) The important part is to love him and pay more attention to him to make up for losing his buddies.
|
|
#
?
Aug 24, 2011 01:36
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 16, 2024 02:39 |
|
|
New baby He has a coat type thats been developed in Australia that they call velour, its similar to rex but shorter and thicker. There's a bit of debate about the genetics of it here at the moment. Regardless, I took him for a pet and he's adorable and lovey. He needs a name!
|
|
#
?
Aug 24, 2011 02:02
|
|