My rat is dying...need help!

Question
QUESTION: Sandra,

My rat is very fatigued, unresponsive, having difficulty breathing and is not interested in food or water. He has had red discharge from his nose and I am afraid he is dying. I am going to get some baby food and try to feed him and give him water tonight thru a syringe. Is there any particular type of baby food to give him? Fruit, veggies? I am going to the health food store to get him echinacea/goldenseal as I don't have the money to go to a Vet. I will also take him into the bathroom to let him breathe in the steam as you suggested in another post. How long should I let him stay in the bathroom? Should I do it each night?  I really need help. I feel so bad for the little guy. He has really lost A LOT of weight--so much that I can feel his backbone and quite a bit of flab but little muscle. Any advice I really appreciate!  Thank you...please e-mail as soon as you possibly can! I'm afraid he doesn't have much time if left untreated.

PLEASE HELP!

Chris

ANSWER: Chris

I am so sorry...your little man needs to see a vet. He needs antibiotics. Nothing else can help him no matter how hard you try.
If you cannot afford a vet, please have him humanely euthanized. Any vet will do this for FREE because he is suffering and without proper medication he will die.
I am really sorry this is happening. I wish I could tell you that all of the things you are doing are enough to save his life but he has an infection and nothing else will help but proper antibiotics to kill it.
Some vets will allow you to make payments. Its worth a shot. He sounds like he has pneumonia.  I can help you find a vet in your area that may help you if you want to let me know where your located.

Sandy

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

QUESTION: Sandy,

Thank you very much for the quick response but, unfortunately, I lost my little guy sometime yesterday before I got in from work. I suspected pneumonia after doing some research but I just didn't recognize the symptoms early enough. He was the first rat I owned (his "broter" (cagemate) is still with us) and really a sweet, special little rat. I'll always remember him fondly and feel awful that I couldn't do more to help him. His suffering was very depresing to witness so I am just happy he is suffering no longer. I think you provide excellent advice and, after reading through many of your posts, I feel much more educated as a rat owner.

Thank you again for your help. I'm still reeling a bit over the loss of my good friend; it's never easy.  

Best,

Chris

Answer
Oh no!! I am so sorry, Chris. I had a feeling it was close to the end which is why I suggested to take and have him put down.  Having rats can break your heart, thats for sure.
Keep an eye on his brother because he may become very depressed now that he is alone. In fact, I would suggest that you get a cagemate for him right away. Quarantine him for 3 weeks before introducing him to the existing rat, be sure you get a rat a bit younger than the rat you have so the existing rat will still maintain his "alpha" status and it will be easier to get them to be buddies.
I lost a rat to a broken heart. He missed his brother so much the stress made his immune system very weak and he developed an infection that was resistant to most antibiotics. He died just a few weeks after his brother. I was devastated.
Please check out my website. I have the link on my profile. Its called CRITTER CITY and it may also help you learn more about rat care....maybe even stuff you wouldn't ever think was possible, from giving rats that suffer from anxiety a daily dose of valium to treating cancer with a form of chemotherapy (tamoxifen)

Again, I am sorry about your loss. I hope your heart heals fast.  
If you need any more help feel free to contact me at
Sandyscrittercity@yahoo.com

Regards

Sandy