follow on question re heart trouble in rat

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2 1/2 yr old female capped rat called Twix. She was one of a pair but her sister died last year probably of respiratory illness. She is in good health presently, though a bit more sedate these days. About 3 or 4 times in the past year we have thought we were going to lose her - once even set her aside thinking she had gone - she gets cold to the touch, sides caved in, breathing laboured and I wrap her up, nurse her on a hot water bottle and usually within hours she comes round. Last week I took her to bed with me at night expecting her to be dead in the morning and she was sat up looking at me. I have bought a new baby and introduced her yesterday and it went really well. Can you please give me your thoughts on what is going on.

ANSWER: Sounds like she has heart disease.  This needs treated by a vet.  She can easily be given medication for her heart, but since the names of medications are different in the UK compared to the US, I cant really tell you the names of the heart medications the vet can safely use.

You will need a vet that knows about rats, however.  I have a list of good vets in the UK that treat exotics but will need to know your location.  Hang in there! She can be treated and will feel alot better.

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

QUESTION: Thank you for your prompt reply. I never thought of Twix having heart disease. I live in Bangor, County Down, N Ireland & have a regular vet, and although sympathetic,I  don't think shes tuned into small rodents in particular  I had Twix with her last week and she just said that sometime she would likely just pass away in one of these low turns. That's when I decided to try to get her a companion for her remaining time with me. If there is a name of medication I could get from a U.K. vet I would be grateful. Thanks again.

Answer
http://www.jubileevetcentre.co.uk/page1.htm

Jubilee Veterinary Centre
3 Jubilee Road
Newtownards
Co Down
Northern Ireland
BT23 4YH
TEL: 02891 812226

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http://www.merialvetsite.com/sites/glenburnvets/home.html

Glenburn Veterinary Surgery
7 Nutts Corner Road
Crumlin
Co Antrim
N Ireland BT29 4BW
028 9445 2226


http://www.lisburnvets.com/sb/Displaycompany.do?p=homepage&id=SB0001951366000020

  
Lisburn Veterinary Clinic
49, Sloan St
Lisburn
County Antrim
BT27 5AG
Contact:
Tel
028 9266 2661