poorly rat

Question
I have 3 little ratties, girls, they are 20 months old but one of them recently has become slow and she eats and drinks but she seems to be loosing co-ordination and has a runny nose. I've taken her to the vets and they have given me anti-biotics and critical care formula. After the first week she'd but on 25lbs(she also has lost lots of weight) but since stopping she has gone rapidly down hill. She is isolated from the others as caring as her sisters are they are very selfish about their food!
I syringe feed her critical care (They gave me more) and baby food aswell as solids to keep her poor little teeth down but shes not getting any better.
And ontop of this after coming home from the vets she has got lice which are being treated and I don't know what to do.
I love her so much, I'm trying my best to help her and I don't want to rush into putting her down as shes still trying her best and is still happy.
Is there anything I can do? Is it possible that the lice are the reason that she has gone downhill again?
Thanks alot.
Louise

Answer
The lice are from her immune system being weak.  Often, sick rats are easily over taken by lice and mites during illness.  She needs revolution, but try to use a flea comb on her till  you get the  revolution from the vets.  Also, I would never suggest putting her down either, esp if she is still happy and as long as she is trying, thats what matters. Its her life, let her decide. You will know when its time, trust me.

If she is not responding within three days she needs new antibiotics. What is she on?

Also, I hate to say this, but put her back with her cagemates. Its stressful to keep her from her beloved sisters and this only makes things worse.  Are you keeping food down at all times? Usually rats become more greedy when they are fed on a schedule and they should be fed 24/7 their hard dry mix and fresh foods three times a day.  Since your giving her the critical care let her back in her familiar cage.

Also, the vet she saw....what are this vets credentials?  You can go private and tell me the name of the vet if your not sure.