Sick rat or just sad?

Question
My pet rat spice is about 2 1/2 years old. About 2 weeks ago I had to have my other rat ( and her companion sience I got them) sugar put down. She had several mammory tumors and we decided it was time. Spice has one but it is much smaller and was fine but the past few days she won't eat even her absolute favorite treats. Sometimes she will take it but then just drop it and other times she just ignores it she also isn't drinking unless I put the water bottle right up to her. Her breathing was wheezing last night but not this morning. She also went to the second floor of her home ( which she hasn't done in months sience we moved the food and water down to the bottom to make it easier on them) and just lays next to the edge by the door with her head over it. Any ideas? The vet I took sugar to said I should just put her down at the same time but that didn't seem right sience she was ok but now I'm not so sure...

Answer
TO be honest, it sounds like your rat is in mourning, which could be dangerous. It may help her to get her a cage mate or 2. I personally would recommend 2 so that when Spice is getting ready to cross over, her new cage mate will not be left alone and you would have to deal with this all over again. I have had rats that went through such bad depression when losing a cage mate that they nearly died, but when moved in with a cage mate, their fight to live came back. Until you can get her a cage mate, I would recommend spending at least 6-8 hours a day with her. Now that Sugar is gone, you are her companion, her only companion. It was easier when Sugar was with her as Sugar kept her company, but rats thrive on companionship and waste away in solitude. A normally active and social rat will become quiet and lazy when left alone.

Tami
Social Rats Adoption and Rescue - Chicago, IL