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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Rattdad" data-source="post: 517001" data-attributes="member: 6714">It seems like you're really in touch with what's going on with him, which is great, but the actual symptoms don't seem to indicate a PT, at least to me. What you describe sounds almost hormonal. But the symptoms sound mild, and many of them could be explained by him being an aging male. I don't see why you'd give him either ibuprofen or benadryl. If you're going to give him a 'just in case' medicine, it seems like antibiotics 2-3 weeks would be the best bet. Wont' the benadryl just make him sleepier, in which case you'd be wondering still why he's acting so lethargic? I'd recommend an antibiotics course if you're really concerned, but overall, the symptoms seem vague. You may very well be right--I just recently went through this myself, I feel like I have a good sense for when something's off, but I tend to misdiagnose--but I wonder if even a vet would be able to pinpoint a specific problem. Curious what Lilaspaz would say here...Sorry for asking (since you sound like such a conscientious owner) but do you feel like he's properly engaged and stimulated? Is it possible he could be depressed? I do think the thing that sets rats apart from the rest of the animal kingdom is their curiosity and problem-solving abilities. Can you take him to a new area for outdoor time, hide treats, re-arrange the cage, etc? Just a thought. His diet sounds excellent!** I just read over your post again... It sounds like you could very well be right that something's happening with him but it's not clear to me what that would be. The porphyrin is a definite sign that something's stressing him. I'd just continue to give him lots of love and support and see if things become more clear as time goes on.</blockquote>

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