pet rat illness

Question
I have a albino rat that I purchased from a reptile shop in which they feed the rats to snakes.  I have had crippy as my pet for 2 months.  He was doing well.  Yesterday evening, I noticed he was not as active in his cage nor did he want to drink or eat.  It has continued this morning, but he is visibly emaciated, sluggish and lethargic.  My albino pet rat is blind and has red eyes which appear glossy now.  This all occurred in less than 24 hours.  He has been on a diet of lettuce and water.  He would not eat anything else.  Please give me your expert advice on what this could be.  I am afraid my crippy is ill, diseased and dying.  Thank you.

Answer
I cant be sure what you rat has exactly with out being there, but he diffidently needs to bee seen by the vet. try and get him to eat something other than lettuce, this has no nutritional value what so ever. Anything with vitamin c would be great. it will give him the energy to fight off the illness.

best wishes

emily