Lethargy in young rats

Question
QUESTION: We recently purchased 2 female baby rats, one of the babies (about 10 weeks
old) the more active one of the 2, has stopped running around and is no longer
interested in treats.  She does not move around her cage and will stay wherever
she is placed! She has rapid breathing but has no obvious signs of respiratory
problems, no discharge and no clicking!  Can you help please?

ANSWER: Hi David

Sounds like something is not right with this little girl at all.
It could be many things other than respiratory issues, although its more common to see respiratory problems than anything else at this age.

How long as she been lethargic?  When she breathes, are her sides sinking in hard, as if she is struggling to breathe? Check her feet and see what color the bottoms of her feet are. They should be pink, not purple or blue. Let me know about the color of her feet too. Is her body cool or cold to the touch?
Does her skin bounce back when gently pinched?
Have you noticed her drinking from her water bottle?
Sorry to ask so many things at once, but it helps me get a better idea as to what may be going on.
Do you have a vet for your rats to see?
Please let me know. I will check back for your response.

Hang in there!


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

QUESTION: She has been lethargic for about 24 hours now! im not sure that sinking is the
right description, but yes she is breathing harder than m other little girl?  her
feet are pink! her skin has a sow bounce back but not a great deal slower than
the other girl! She is drinking! thanks for your fast response

Answer
Hi David

Lethargy could be a sign of many ailments and for a young baby rat, that is just one thing you should not see in their behavior other than normally being tired due to using energy up naturally during playtime etc..
I would call a vet. Do you have a vet that sees rats and has experience with them as well as the proper implements needed when working with such a small animal? If not, let me know where your located and I will find a vet in your area so she can be seen. Waiting too long to see if she snaps out of it could cause further complications so its better to be safe than sorry.
If I knew for sure that it just wasnt the fact she was scared of her new surroundings I would feel better, but if she stays put wherever you set her down, doesnt want to run and play or eat traets etc... that is one indication of illness. It would make life alot easier if they could speak english, ya know?
:0)
Rats normally have fast respirations, but if it seems like its a struggle, again, something is wrong, obviously, or you would not have contacted me.

Let me know about the vet and hang in there!

Sandra