Rear leg weakness

Question
QUESTION: My pet rat Earl is nearly 2 years old. Two weeks ago he developed a head tilt and I took him to his vet who told me that he had an ear infection and prescribed Bactryl.  He started to really improve and even "untilted" a little bit even though the vet told me he probably wouldn't.  

I came home tonight to find that he has completely lost the use of his back legs, which was really unexpected because he was looking so well when I left the house.  I am not sure if this is connected with his head tilt or not.  My main issue is that he seems very distressed and is now breathing really heavily and can't move and I don't know how to help him.  My vet doesn't open again until Monday and I am concerned that he is in pain.  What can I do to help him be more comfortable?  Should I seperate him from my other rat (although I am concerned that doing this will make him more distressed)?  I also really want to hold him as this normally makes him calmer but I'm scared to pick him up in case I hurt him.

ANSWER: I am really sorry about this.  I am not sure if this is connected or not to his head tilt/ear infection, it could be other things which I suspect.

This is not uncommon for an elderly male rat to develop complete hind leg paralysis. Sometimes its gradual, other times its more acute but usually not as fast as this has come on with him.
With the heavy breathing and noticeable distress, I fear it could be serious.  It could be a stroke, or possibly his heart which first threw a blood clot which would make his legs paralyzed. This is often seen with heart problems that are acute.   Also, the so called ear infection with head tilt may have been caused by a pituitary tumor which although not as common in male rats, it can occur and mimics ear infection.  Another major sign of a PT is loss of the use of the forelimbs and they cannot hold food.  They may also have a problem chewing and swallowing.

Please keep him with his cagemate. He needs to be with him. Also, please please hold him. In fact, wrap him in a nice little blanket and hold him close to you if he wants to be held. You wont hurt him, I promise.

Do you have an emergency vet that sees exotics/rats and is open 24 hrs a day, 7  days a week?



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QUESTION: I have found a vet that can see him today but I'm not sure if they have any experience with exotic pets. Earl has deteriorated quite badly since I asked my question, I think this is because although I have tried to help him he will not take any water. Given his current condition I am just happy that any vet is available to see him. I am now going to put him in a blanket as you suggested and hold him until I have to take him for his appointment, thanks for the advice.

Scarlett

ANSWER: Please let me know how it is going.

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

QUESTION: The vet decided that the best thing for Earl was to put him to sleep. He thought that he'd probably had a stroke and that as he wasn't eating or drinking the best thing to do was to help him go peacefully.  I'm really upset about it but it was really peaceful and it was better than seeing him suffer.  My main concern now is that his brother is all alone. I will have to put extra effort into keeping him company and entertaining him!  If you have any tips on helping bereaved rats they would be much appreciated.

Answer
I am really sorry to hear this.  I do agree though and in fact was close to telling you that perhaps you should think about letting him go too.  As I stated above, I believe it was either a stroke or pituitary tumor which is found in the base of the brain, but with it being so sudden, it was probably a stroke like your vet also suggests.

You did the right thing. He is better now.  As for the lone rat,  how old is he?