Sickly Old Rat

Question
Hi,

The story:

I've been keeping rats for about 2 years now, I started out with two young females named T-bag and Pi, they lead a pretty happy and healthy life up until about 4 months ago when T-bag passed away from a sudden respiratory infection I tried everything to prevent and heal. The poor thing was pretty old in rat years so the illness and resulting stress got the better of her. Now Pi was left all alone and she soon fell into very noticeable depression, I thought of getting a new friend right away but my parents objected, so I had to wait.

Since then I have recently (two weeks) acquired a sweet new baby named Phi-Phi and they get along swimmingly.

The problem is, although Pi's mood and activity has lifted significantly since the new friend, the few months of depression really stressed my dear out, she ate less, moved less and even though I gave her a lot of daily attention(my family too) she became increasingly more wary of people(hates getting handled). She lost a lot of weight and condition and although she showed no signs of the illness her sister died of for weeks, she began getting sniffly (sneezing, increased porphyrin discharge from nose) and got a little bloated (I fear Megacolon) just before the new arrival..it did make me unsure of bringing in another rat Pi might get sick but I really couldn't bear to keep her alone any longer. Not only was she sickly before the new rat she had also somehow degloved parts of her tail, it looked like she had been chewing on it and carrying it around in general because she had taken to curling it under her most times. I never hold my rats by their tail and make sure they're well in before shutting the cage door. I now clean the wounds gently with saline daily and it seems to be healing slowly although I know the skin won't grow back completely.

Other than increased wariness I've also noted other behavioral changes, like: erratic running about the cage, boggling eyes for no particular reason, squeaking and squirming when handled, little interest in the food (however carefully prepared) I leave in the bowl, unless I pick it up and hand feed her (she really loves getting hand fed), sleeping more and soiling her own bedding more frequently (the last two; understandable in her old age)

Phi-Phi the baby seems in great health, clean, playful, social and no sign of respiratory problems.

Now the question:

Is my Pi just getting old and almost on her way out? She seems like she's losing her mind at times and generally looks sick and frayed although still into her usual ratty things like treats, nest building and occasional play with the youngster.

I'd take her to the vet if she showed more serious signs of illness but shes just a little less herself and seems to at least be happier now with the new baby as company. If she really is just getting on, I'd like some suggestions on the best way to handle an old rat and whether or not to have her put down if she deteriorates further.

I plan to wait a few weeks to see if the new friend will help her recover more and meanwhile hope to get some feedback from you.

Thank you for your time.

Cc

Answer
Well a rats life span is any where from 2-3 of age. Since she is 2 maybe alittle more she is getting old in her rats years. She will be less motivated as usual. Not caring as much about eating, playing, or even keeping clean. These are typical of an older rat. They also have less energy so may seem lethargic or slow and tend to sleep alot. Another aspect is the not wanting to be held. They are more fragile with thin skin and less weight. The slight pressure a person may put on an older rats may hurt or cause bruising where it would not on any other pet.

A good idea for her at her age is to keep her warm and comfortable. If she is not wanting to eat regular rat food try soft foods. Lots of vitamin c and b foods. This will give her more energy. You can make her a small plate from what you eat at night. Things like a small cube of meat, one carrot, cube of bread. Think pea size.

There is also sold vitamins that go in the water bottles that you can buy at local pet stores. This helps to get vitamins and minerals that she may not get as she eats less. As far as euthanize her that seems unnecessary unless she is in pain or showing signs of respiratory issues.

I hope that this helps you some and here are some websites that may further help:

http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/vitamins-minerals.shtml

http://exoticpets.about.com/od/careofrats/a/ratsfeeding.htm

http://www.dapper.com.au/articles.htm#old