Do you know what caused my rat to die?

Question
Hi
I've had pet rats for years and about a month ago I bought two brothers after my last rat died of a brain tumour. They had a huge cage, lots of toys, food, water and both seemed healthy and happy. Well tonight I went to clean out the cage and picked up the first rat to remove him from the cage, he seemed a bit panicky but ok so I put him down on the bed to run around. I noticed almost immediately his breathing was heavy but I thought he might just be frightened, so I sat down with him but his breathing became sharp and his head started to jerk with each breath. After only a minute or two he rolled onto his side, had a massive seizure and died. He was only approx 3 months old. I really don't know what happened! Do you think he had a heart attack or some sort of genetic disorder? I can't help but feel like I must have done something wrong? :-( please help...

Answer
I am so sorry this happened to your little baby rat. Although its impossible for me to know exactly what it was that killed him, it was probably a bad heart like you suggested. It was probably genetic and he was born with a bad heart defect. I am sure it was nothing you did wrong so dont beat yourself up.  Please see my site, sandyscrittercity.com for all the info you need on rat care.  The panic you saw him go through is pretty common when rats are in distress.  Its so sad for us to witness, sometimes its really hard to get it out of our minds but try....its best for you over all not to let this eat at you because again, I am sure there was nothing you could have done to prevent this in any way.