Wheezing, wont walk, eat, drink, is he dying?

Question
QUESTION: My rat has been breathing really loudly for a while now. At first I thought it was nothing, but then the rat me and my best friend raised together died. They've been kept at seperate houses, but she said that he did the same things before he died. Jareth, my rat, hasn't been too interested in food and water, he will drink and eat, but not very much. Also, I took him to the local pet store that has a vet and the vet said that he can't even look at him, not sure why, but to instead go out to a different place. When we came home I put him back in his cage and he doesn't really walk, he just kind of pushes himself around. On our way home I noticed that he kept leaving some kind of clear liquid all over my hands whenever I pet his face. I've had him for about 2 years. Should I take him to the vet? I don't know if the vet in my town handles exotic pets.

ANSWER: Yes he needs a vet. The pet store vet knew he could not treat the rat which is why he declined to see him.   

Where are you located?  I can find a vet for you.  You need to read about mycoplasmosis and rats. Its common in rats, which is why, when you talk to other rat owners, you hear some of he same stories over and over again.


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

Please read about it on my website and get back to me about your location so we can get him in to see the right vet.  I fear he has pneumonia and needs treated fast.  Try to offer baby foods to lick from your fingers. This may get him to eat a bit plus give him fluids since baby food has alot of water in it for the base.



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

QUESTION: I live in southwest Florida. Port Charlotte exactly. The only place that treats exotics is on the other side of town and is only open during the weekdays. He has started walking around again like he always has. Could this possible have anything to do with his eye becoming infected? It never actually came out, but it's always closed. I had taken him to the vet for it but it was just the vet at the pet store, but all they did was giggle about the size of his man-parts and tell me to use eye drops for it.

Answer

Hi

I never heard back  but I am hoping you got my last email with the name of a vet in Cape Coral.  I know the area well and you can be in the Cape in no time at all to get him to the vet.  Let me know how things are!


Kindness Animal Hospital    
1711 SE 47th Terrace
Cape Coral FL 33904
Phone:    239-945-0111
Website:www.kindnessanimalhospital.com