RE: Gonzos weigh loss cont..

Question
QUESTION: Hi Sandra

I ran out of follow up ques so had to start a new one! I'm not sure how many viral's they are testing and am unsure of the site the blood was taken from, what I do know is that the vet said he would try all sites available before the one next to the heart as this is dangerous, I think he said he would try the leg or neck 1st? He was also going to sedate Gonzo for the blood test but then one of his colleagues had lots of experience which taking blood from rats and did it without anaesthetic which apparently he was fine with so I'm guessing they didn't use the site next to the heart....

It's just so strange that he is fine in himself other than he isn't eating much and has lost lots of weight..he hasn't has a panic attack for ages now (that I know of) although the weight loss has continued. Hopefully the blood test will confirm what is wrong with him, hopefully it is something treat-able.

One thing I have noticed is both rats do occasionally sneeze...but this is only when they are out as if they find some irritating or when they smell something or someone new..but they don't sneeze whilst in their cage?

Thanks

ANSWER: I would not consent ever to having the blood taken from the heart. As you said, this is very dangerous.  The neck and leg veins (even the tail) are the only routes I would ever agree on.

What kind of food have they been eating, such as seed mixes, veggies etc..?

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

QUESTION: Well, when we first got them (being my first pet rats) they were just on rat nuggets brought from the pet shop and tip bits which weren't very good for them, but, I soon learnt that this wasn't the best diet for them and changed it to a dry mix I make up made from organic puffed wheat, puffed rice, lentils, bran, wheat (3 different types# and their rat nuggets. With 2 portions of fruit and veg #or pasta etc# a day. They have been on this diet for at least the last year.


Gonzo has a bit of a sweet tooth and at the moment only seems interested in carrots, broccoli, red peppers and pieces of biscuit, #obviously preferring the biscuit over the others lol) but is very picky at the moment.



ANSWER: How are things going?

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

QUESTION: Hi Sandra,

Well the results came back as kidney disease, quite advanced aswell, so they put him on fluids and I have modified his diet to low protein. He went back and had the scan done yesterday and the vet said that the kidneys were really bad and nearly all white now. He gave him a steriod injection and some more fluids with instructions to come back in a few weeks for another one. However, today he has been really really ill with red round his eyes and nose, he has lost weight again (and the ONLY thing he will eat now is biscuits) and his breathing is heavier. I don't think he is going to last much longer :'( and there is nothing really left that I can do...

Answer
I am very sorry to hear this.  Weight loss like this is often an indicator of kidney disease or heart disease, but when few other symptoms are seen, thats when it ends up being kidney problems.

It sounds like it is more genetic than it would be diet related since he was fed a decent diet that did not seem higher in protein, which is often the cause of kidney related illnesses.

I have an article on my website (Sandyscrittercity.com) about treating kidney disease, but if he is this ill now, I am afraid it may be too late to make a difference.  I would offer him some baby food to lick and keep him warm.  If he starts to become weak, urinates blood or starts to feel real cold to the touch, I would have him put down so he doesnt have to endure any suffering.  

I am really sorry:(