Odd behaviour.

Question
My girlfriend's rat has been displaying a bunch of odd behavior I've never seen before in any of my rodents in the years I've owned them.

He acts as though his front end is too heavy and walks really low to the ground, while his front end remains up in the air as he awkwardly moves about, often times stumbling.

He also has been gasping. Whether it be from picking him up by the scruff of his neck or hims simply laying in the cage with his head draped over something, like a ledge for instance. I'm at a loss for what to do to make him more comfortable until I get him into vet, which the closest date I can is on Monday.  Ugh.

Please, I don't want to have to be the one to tell her that her rat is dying. Even any possible suggestions will make her a little more at ease.

Thank you.

- Hyde

Answer
Hyde

If possible can you find an emergency vet?  The fact he is laying with his head hanging over a ledge is a sign of lack of oxygen.The gasping is a clear indicator of this as well. Check his feet and see if they are purple or blue. If they are, he is hypoxic and showing signs of cyanosis. This is a major emergency.  He will die if he doesnt get on antibiotics and oxygen.   He has pneumonia. If you need me to find an ER vet in your area to get him to please let me know your location and I will find someone for you.  I dont think he can wait till Monday.