is my rat dieing..?

Question
hello Sandra.

about week ago my rat has been starting to act really odd... he was a fairly fat rat but not over weight, and all of a sudden is is losing allot of weight and i mean ALOT.he does not grab his treat any more or his favorite foods, he is struggling to walk aswell. for example i put him down to try and get him to eat some corn well he got some corn and tried to eat it but just kinda flopped to the side and just stayed there. i have been feeding him but he has not been eating much/almost nothing at all.. i am very worried about nick and i was wondering if U might be able to help me out. he has a sandy color fur with black eyes, and is about 3ish years of age. og something i didn't mention as well. his eyes are looking a little watery too.
thanks

Answer
Hey there, Savannah


Are you saying he doesnt hold his food in his front paws any longer? Are they unable to grasp and hold food?

What you need to feed him now is baby food and keep him nice and comfortable.  Add a bit of water to the baby food and let him lick it from a flat little dish or from your finger.

I believe your boy has a pituitary tumor, which is a tumor found in the base of the rats skull.  It is a brain tumor that can cause problems with their front paws and also can affect their back legs to the point they cannot walk. They may tilt their head to one side also and shake his head alot.

He is a grand old rat if he is 3 years old. You can take him to the vet and have him get a steroid injection. This may help the inflammation in his brain for a while and may give him a bit of relief.  Sadly, there isnt much you can do for this condition. Although its not usually cancer, the tumor is deadly because it controls the organs such as the heart and of course, the brain itself.  

If you dont have a vet please let me know your location and I will gladly give you names of a vet that can help with your rat.