MN Rat Pack
Member
Hello all! I consider myself an experienced rat owner and have had five boys over the last 20 years. I am encountering an issue that I haven’t seen before in young rats. I currently have a pair of 1 year old of biological sisters. We recently moved in February. About a month ago, I noticed that one of the sisters, the larger one, was a bit lazier than usual and less apt to jump up to my hand for a treat. I also noticed sometimes one eye would stay shut, but I thought it was just her quirk. Both girls have had the red eye discharge at various times.
I didn’t think much of it till two days ago when Daisy was noticeably fluffier than her sister (uncleaned), had lots of the red gunk around her eyes, one eye is partially closed all the time, almost fell off my shoulder twice, and was generally lethargic and more snuggly than... ever. She’s even happy to be carried whereas before they scramble right up to ride on my shoulder. During playtime I was alarmed to see her choking while eating a peanut. I’ve never seen a rat choke and since they have no gag reflex I was scared. Luckily, she worked it out.
Today I noticed her balance is worse. I saw her slide fall off a ledge while trying to hold on with the front paws. She’s having a hard time eating while holding treats in hands. She’s avoiding climbing up to the hammocks. And could not scramble up on top of the igloo for treats. If she were three I would think that she was at the end of life.
At one year old, could this be a pituitary tumor? Or perhaps she had a stroke? Are there other neuro issues common in rats? any insight you can share is greatly appreciated! I read through the threads on treatment options but am more looking for others experience on the diagnosis.
I plan to go in to the vet on Monday. I reached out to the breeder for recs. If you have suggestions on rat savvy vets near St Paul MN please share! Thank you!!!
I didn’t think much of it till two days ago when Daisy was noticeably fluffier than her sister (uncleaned), had lots of the red gunk around her eyes, one eye is partially closed all the time, almost fell off my shoulder twice, and was generally lethargic and more snuggly than... ever. She’s even happy to be carried whereas before they scramble right up to ride on my shoulder. During playtime I was alarmed to see her choking while eating a peanut. I’ve never seen a rat choke and since they have no gag reflex I was scared. Luckily, she worked it out.
Today I noticed her balance is worse. I saw her slide fall off a ledge while trying to hold on with the front paws. She’s having a hard time eating while holding treats in hands. She’s avoiding climbing up to the hammocks. And could not scramble up on top of the igloo for treats. If she were three I would think that she was at the end of life.
At one year old, could this be a pituitary tumor? Or perhaps she had a stroke? Are there other neuro issues common in rats? any insight you can share is greatly appreciated! I read through the threads on treatment options but am more looking for others experience on the diagnosis.
I plan to go in to the vet on Monday. I reached out to the breeder for recs. If you have suggestions on rat savvy vets near St Paul MN please share! Thank you!!!