second opinion

Question
hi i have a pet rat who is 1 and a half years old, on monday i noticed he had become very weak and not very lively,i took him to the vets,the vet checked his body for lumps and couldnt find any,when she was feeling his tummy he was squeaking alot, the vet said she didnt really know what is wrong with him but said hes got a chest infection because he was weazy,so she gave me anti biotics for him called baytril,since then ive had to mash up his food as he wont eat otherwise and have to hold the bowl for him as he wont get up and go for food or water his self, he seems to have trouble walking for some reason,and also he has lost alot of weight on his back rather quickly as ive noticed as hes alway been a big rat before,today hes eating a bit more but only still when i hold the bowl for him,he hasnt walked anywhere and hasnt had a poo for a couple days,he just stays in his house and sits there asleep sometimes,hes very weak but very hungry which i think is a good sign,i think he did 1 dropping last night and the vet said he could have organ failure but the dropping he did was solid and healthy,i really dont know whats wrong with him and wondering if you have come across this before and if you think he ll get better and be able to walk around again as i dont want to put him to sleep,i still think there hopefully could be a chance he will get better but i havent a clue whats wrong with him and as the vet doesnt know i am looking for more opinions,many thanks for your time,  mandy

Answer
He very well could have heart disease which can cause weight loss despite eating well.  If he is wheezing it could be congestive heart failure.  I suggest the vet take a look at his heart.

Please read this:

http://www.sandyscrittercity.com/heartlungkidneydisease.htm