Shivering Leg and Breathing Problems

[Yogurt]

My little guy is coming up on 2 years, so I knew that this would happen eventually.
I just discovered him today with jittery legs, some porphyrin around his eyes. He’s wheezy when he breathes.
He’s still walking around but his back legs are a little weak. He’s taking his time and goes at short bursts. It’s strange, he was perfectly fine and perky the other day.
Little guy is still eating too. I’m taking him to the vet but we don’t really have anyone that specializes in exotic animals...
I’ve seen the breathing problem before, but are the shivers just another symptom?

If anyone has any advice or can share their experience... I’d really appreciate it. Thank you all.

 

[lilspaz68]

If you put your fingers gently on the haunch muscle do you feel a tic? Is he losing muscle tone in his hind end? These could all indicate progressive hind end degeneration which is an old rat thing for some rats. The breathing issue though will definitely need antibiotics to treat. Can you post a video?

 

[Yogurt]

If you put your fingers gently on the haunch muscle do you feel a tic? Is he losing muscle tone in his hind end? These could all indicate progressive hind end degeneration which is an old rat thing for some rats. The breathing issue though will definitely need antibiotics to treat. Can you post a video?

Good news, I found a vet who was willing to check on him. I didn’t get a proper diagnosis but I was given baytril. My little guy made a rapid recovery overnight. It seems like it was some sort of nervous tic.
Most of his symptoms have disappeared, he’s regained his appetite and the shivering is gone.
He has some sniffles but it’s become occasional.
Here’s hoping he continues to improve...

I plan to call the vet tomorrow for his medication. But based on experience what would you suggest is the right time to let him live with his brother again?

 

[lilspaz68]

Definitely put him back with his brother.