Not eating or drinking much & having a hard time walking.

Question
QUESTION: My 3 year old rat has been having a hard time moving around. Just yesterday I noticed she wasn't eating and having a hard time walking around. I've been trying to find a veteinarian office aroung my area in Los Angeles but the ones I've called dont see rodents. She's getting weaker and I dont know what to do. I live in the 90004 zip code. Please help us.

ANSWER: Hi
It could be hind leg paralysis. You can offer her some baby food to lick and also let her drink some fluids from a syringe. Childrens pedialyte,boost,ensure, even koolaid, anything liquid but its important she stay hydrated.
If it she does have degenerative changes in her spine due to age, this is not the end of the world for her. She can be given NSAIDS such as metacam to help her feel better and even antibiotics since mycoplasmosis can also cause a specific type of arthritis that can be helped with certain antibiotics such as baytril. You can keep her in a single story cage where she can be comfortable and not have to climb up ladders or ramps.  Lower her water bottle so she can reach the nipple and keep food dishes flat so she can easily reach.

How has her health been in the past?

Please keep me posted.  Below are 4 vets that are exotic vets registered with the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, which is a plus in my book!


This Vet is 17 minutes from zip to zip.


Dr. Keri Franco
(ONLY Dr.FRANCO, not sure about others for exotics but trust Dr.Franco)

Studio City Animal Hospital    
11800 Ventura Blvd.
 Studio City CA 91604
Phone:    (818) 769-1338



This Vet is 48 mins from zip to zip:

Dr. Mary Heiser
Moorpark Veterinary Hospital    
484 E. Los Angeles Ave. Suite 104
 Moorpark CA 93021
Phone:    805-529-7003
Website:www.moorparkvet.com/



This clinic is 27 mins. from your zip to their zip code.


Capri Plaza Pet Clinic     
19582 Ventura Blvd
Tarzana CA 91356
Phone:    818-881-6344
Website: www.capriplazapetclinic.com/



50 mins. from zip to zip

Dr. Bruce Levine
Huntington Beach Veterinary Clinic    
724 Utica Ave
Huntington Beach CA 92648
Phone:    714-536-7591


good  luck

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

QUESTION:  She had no problems with her health in the past besides a Lump on her left arm and a red eye that was treated.
Yesterday when I came home she wasn't moving at all. Her eyes and nose were bleeding. And her breathing was raspy. I took her to the bathroom turned the shower on and we stayed in there for 15mins. Her breathing got a little better but can still hear shes having a hard time. I've been feeding her baby food with a syringe and giving her water through an eyedropper. This morning she seemed a lot better. She was wiggling around and wanted to eat. So thank you very much for anwsering me back so quickly.  
Is any of this meds you talked about for Mycoplasmosis over the counter? I'm wanting for my pay check on friday but dont want to wait long to help her out. Again THANK YOU!

Answer
Hi

Unfortunately there are no antibiotics that are over the counter that helps rats.

The discharge from your rats nose and eyes...I dont think it was blood but rather it was porphryin.  Check here and please let me know if this is what your rat had.

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



If it was blood this is not good at all so hopefully once you read about porphyrin you will know that this is probably what it was.

I am just hoping this doesnt turn to pneumonia. That is when its hard to get them to recover.  I would make an appt. now and have them hold the check till your pay check comes.  Most good vets are willing to work with you. Just dont even bring it up till you go in for the appt.