Is my 2 1/2 year old male rat dying?

Question
QUESTION: Over the last week my Male rat, Mr Cotton has developed some worrying symptoms.... He has a cough/sneeze, when he does this he gasps for air . He also shakes violently and he face muscles twitch. It almost looks like a fit as he is very unresponsive while it happens. I have also notice what looks like dried blood on his nose, eyes and wrists (i think the wrists are from cleaning).
He is really hungery but trays to eat then stops and stars gasping.

I ve given him the ventilator but it didn't last long.  What should i do, Iam worried and I think he is in pain..?
Many thanks

ANSWER: Has he seen a Vet????


Please look over my website, sandyscrittercity.com so  you can learn about the bloody discharge from the eyes and nose and also refer to MYCOPLASMOSIS.  Your rat probably has had infections before and now has pneumonia.  I am confused as to why he hasnt been treated by a Vet?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response but Mr Cotton has passed away. He was cuddled and pampered and i hope he felt loved. I could not afford to take him to the vet, $ 60.00 consult and when i rang they said he was probably dying of age related illnesses and they probably wouldn't be able to do much for him.

Answer
I am very sorry for your loss.  I would let the vet know, however, that your rat, at 2.5 yrs old, was not old enough to pass from an age related illness.  Rats, if properly cared for, can live up to 4 yrs old.

That said, I am again very sorry for your loss. I know how bad it hurts our hearts.