Squinty eyes, one eye closed

Question
Hi Sandra,

I'm new to rats, and adopted my first pet rat through craig's list from someone who was allergic.  I did my research online, and knew they needed company, so shortly thereafter, I bought a rat at a pet store.  The first rat, Petri, had lice when we got her, so I took both of the rats to the vet.  I treated them for 6 weeks and it cleared up.  That's just backstory - that was nearly a month ago.  I mention it because I truly don't know Petri's full history.  However, this past week, my family was in town and I was very distracted, and only noticed Petri's sleepy behavior when it was too late.  She was sleeping more, not taking treats with the same fervor, and within 24 hours, I found her dead in the cage.  I have no idea what happened.  She did sneeze occasionally, and had some red discharge on her nose, but not very much, and I have read that it is normal, and not to be alarmed.  Now the rat that I had purchased as her friend, Beaker, is having difficulty opening her eyes after she wakes up.  She looks very squinty, and it seems moist around her eyes as she tries to open them.  Finally, this evening, she couldn't open one eye, and I had to wet it with water to unseal it.  I'm concerned for her, and don't want to lose her the way we lost Petri (who also had squinty/sleepy eyes a few days prior to her death).  Is it possible this is something contagious?  How long should I wait it out?  I should mention that aside from the eyes, there is no red discharge, and Beaker is spunky and active as normal, taking treats, etc.

Thank you so much!  
Kristina

Answer
Your rat probably had pneumonia caused by a nasty pneumococcus (also known as the deadly Strep pneumoniae which should not be confused with PNEUMONIA like many laypeople do) This bacteria moves swiftly through the body and it kills within 12 to 24 hrs.  Even prompt action may not save the rat mainly due to the fact that out of all the vets that treat rats, I would say only a small percentage of them know what they are doing and how to treat their illnesses. Your rat would have had to be kept on oxygen and put on serious antibiotic such as gentocin injections and baytril nebulized etc...etc... and STILL the outcome would be bleak.  

Usually they just become very lethargic, stop eating and drinking and...die.  Waiting for your rat to show any more signs of illness is not a good idea.  I would get her to the vet for prompt treatment.....but PROPER treatment is essential for recovery.  Who is your vet?

Also, note that squinty of the eyes is a sign of illness, and sometimes can indicate the rat may be uncomfortable as well.