Sudden onset of symptoms in female rat

Question
Sandra,
Thank you for being available. Amma is my first rat. She is my best friend and companion. She is an energetic and independent girl, who loves to get the run of my small studio apartment. After cleaning a few days ago, I noticed she was having trouble climbing up to her food dish. Soon after I noticed she seemed a little off balance. In the evenings, Amma comes on my bed to get pets and she likes to grab food out of my mouth. She had to eat the food off of my chest, unable to take it out herself. Next she fell from a table top (there is padding all around her cage. She is getting worse not better. I stayed up with her last night. At one point, I found her on her back, her tail moving in circles, unable to get on her feet. She continues to eat her favorite foods- green peas (purchased baby food), organic yogurt and rice. Her strength and coordination, ability to lift herself out of her cage or climb down a ramp is declining. I left her this morning with soft food and water in several places. I left her on the floor with blankets to cuddle in, hiding places and a litter box, for fear she will fall off and get stuck or hurt herself. Last, I noticed in her sleeping area there are many reddish spots on the bedding. I called a rat educated vet this morning but he is not taking new patients. I live in San Rafael, California. How can I best take care of her, how would i know if my girl was in pain? I am trying to find another vet to diagnose and treat her. I have a feeling this is going to progress quickly. I am devastated!!!!

Answer


Hi Lisa

She sounds like she has an inner ear infection. When they get off balance it is often caused by inner ear infection and pressure on the rats vestibular/cochlear nerve (8th cranial nerve) This nerve controls balance in the brain. When its off kilter, the rat is too!
Head tilt is often seen, walking in circles, loss of balance etc....

The treatment consists of antibiotics and steroids or some other medication for inflammation, usually metacam, to help get the pressure off of this nerve and help her balance.


Read more about this condition on my website here:

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/offbalanceheadtilt.htm


She should be seen ASAP so it doesnt get worse.  Sounds like you are on top of things which is good!  

On a more serious note, there is also a condition that mimics inner ear infection, which is when the rat has a pituitary adenoma. They have similar signs but a few other neurological signs such as the inability to hold food or grasp with their forelimbs and also lose the ability to chew and sometimes even are unable to swallow as the tumor grows larger causing more pressure on the stem of the brain.
The rat becomes gravely ill and usually needs put to sleep once they are unable to chew and swallow.  

Most people give their rats nursing care feeding them baby food and things that they can lick and do not have to hold but again once things progress the kindest action is euthanasia.  I DO NOT think your girl has this at all, but in case the vet suggests there is a chance I wanted you to be aware of it.

Usually you know that your rat has this once medication fails to make any difference in their condition. However keep in mind that it takes time for them to recover fully from an inner infection and especially if the vet doesnt give the rat steroids or anything for inflammation, which is a must in order to make a full recovery.

As for a vet, I have the perfect one for you. I just called them up to make sure they are taking patients and we talked for a bit and I wanted to find out more about the Vet and their credentials. They are the best place for rats in your area and have everything they need to care for your rat, even in critical cases.  

I talked to a nice woman named Mary Kate and she said to call and ask for her, let her know that your the one I called about.  They are closed between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm for training,  but are open  till 8pm daily.  I am really excited about this place and hopefully you can get in as soon as today or tomorrow!  Please let me know how things go!

Dr. Lynne Lankes
Central Marin Cat and Exotic Hospital    
4144-A Redwood Highway
San Rafael CA 94903
Phone:    415-479-2287