Pet Deacon with Another Problem

Question
QUESTION: I have written you before about my pet rat, Deacon, and have really appreciated your help.  I had taken him to the Vet (Northview near Pittsburgh) 2 times for pneumonia.  The second time they had to change his medication since the first one wasn't effective.  He was getting better to the point where the pneumonia seemed almost gone, but then last night he had what I can only describe as a stroke/seizure.  He was shaking and falling to the left side of his body.  He lost control of his bladder too.  It was really sad to see, and I just don't know what would have caused this.  He's not able to keep his balance very well anymore even just while walking around, but he did regain the use of all his limbs.  What do you think is wrong?  Is there anything I can do more to help him?  Should he go back to the vet?  Thanks again for the help.

ANSWER: Hi James


Wow, I am really sad this happened and he was doing to so well getting better! What medication did he take that is working so I can keep record of it?

Its hard to say if he had a seizure or if that was a stroke you witnessed but whatever the case, there is some pressure on the 8th cranial nerve that is causing his loss of balance.  I had a rat here that had a stroke and he would fall over, walk in circles and spin and literally do flips trying to find which way was up. It was so bad at first we thought we had to let him go ....but he did improve some...although he is blind in both eyes, he does get around great in his single story cage. He still uses his litter box, the little trooper.I call him my drunken bum. LOL

Anyhow, back to your guys: The vet should see him since he may benefit from steroids or at least metacam.  Do you like the vet your seeing?  Is this the vet I found? Just curious how the care is etc...


please keep me posted!

Sandy

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

QUESTION: He's taking chloramphenicol (maybe spelled wrong...) 0.22cc twice daily.  He's not completely cured of the pneumonia yet I don't think, but it seemed to be clearing up.  I just made another appointment at Northview for tomorrow morning.  I do really like the Vet though.  They've been extremely good with him and have always found time quickly to see him.  It is the Vet that you had found and told me to go to.  Hopefully they can help him out tomorrow and he can finally get better.  Thanks again for the help.

Answer
Oh good thats a strong broad spectrum and it sounds spelled right to me...LOL...

I am glad you like the vet. They are members of the AEMV which I only try to use when referring people to Vets since they know rats and other small pets so well.

My rat currently has a respiratory infection too. He is on baytril and keflex and getting better although he sounded worse than acted. He still acts a fool even when he should be sick.  LOL  These rats are toughies.

thanks for writing!

Sandy