Kidney Failure?

Question
My female rat, only a few months old, was perfectly healthy (or so it seemed) last night.  Today, however, she has rapidly lost much of her body weight and temperature, her back legs are paralysed, she is urinating blood, she wobbles and falls over and her grip is much weaker.  She looks sad, and her eyes are dull.  She is very lethargic, being very skittish before and now will just sit and not more.  I gave here Gatorade because I thought maybe it was kidney failure, but it doesn't seem to be helping because a few minutes ago she fell over and is now sleeping, her heartbeat and breathing much slower than normal.  She's still eating, but much slower.  I've contacted a vet, and I'm trying to get her in tomorrow, but I don't think she'll live through the night.  It's finals week, so I'm doing the best I can to help her, but I'm poor and I really don't know what to do.

Can you help me, please?

Answer

Alex

I know you said your going to the vet tomorrow but if you can possibly go to one tonight that would possibly save her life. Do not give her gatorade, it is too high in sodium and very bad for kidneys.
Losing body temp is a very bad sign and so is lethargy. The blood in her urine could be from many things, possibly a serious infection in her bladder on top of what I believe may be either a brain tumor or some type of infection that is causing neurological signs like loss of the use of her back legs and falling over and losing her grip. The body weight loss is from dehydration.  This alone can claim her life.  If you have a syringe, please give her childrens pedialyte but for now, even a bit of sugar in water and fed in a syringe is better than nothing. Its vital to get fluids in her.

Meanwhile if you want I can find an ER vet for you to take her to...even if the vet agrees that this is beyond treating, she should be put to sleep if she is suffering and there is no chance of recovery.

I would do that instead of waiting to see the vet tomorrow.  Most ER clinics see pet rats. I can call ahead for you and talk to them if you need me to.

let me know ok?  Hang in there

Sandy