ViciousCurse
Well-Known Member
First off, I'd like to say: I have called every exotic animal vet within an hour's drive of me and they're all at capacity and don't have any appointments open. I did call back my vet and make an appointment for Wednesday afternoon (this was the earliest I could get him in). But I do plan to call all of those vets back to see if they get openings for today or tomorrow. This post is just asking what you guys' opinion on my rat, and ways I can make him comfortable until he gets seen.
Murtagh is a nine month old intact male rat. He was acting perfectly fine up until this morning. I found him curled up and puffy furred at the bottom of his cage. I've since picked him up and moved him so that he is next to food and water bowls, along with water bottles. He has not moved since I placed him there an hour ago. I don't see or feel any injuries on him. I rat phoned him and his heart sounded a little fast, but he always gets worked up when I pick him up. His lungs sound clear, but he was taking shallow breaths. When I pick him up, he feels limp. He normally tenses up when I pick him up. He was also just pooing, almost without control. He doesn't usually poo on me when I pick him up. All of his poos looked normal (they weren't fear poos either, since they weren't smelly or runny).
He is still with his cagemates, as I want to avoid stressing him out. I picked up and listened to all of my other rats and they all feel and sound normal. Literally nothing has changed in their cage. No new foods, water, bedding, hides, or anything. Nothing has changed in my home either. Since he isn't moving, I might move him into a big hide so that's he warm and surrounded by his brothers. This hide is next to a water dish and food dish. I tried offering him a puff and malt paste, and he showed no interest. He does react when I pet him and come to check on him.
Any and all help is appreciated. I'd attach a picture, but he looks normal. Just puffy furred and curled up.
Murtagh is a nine month old intact male rat. He was acting perfectly fine up until this morning. I found him curled up and puffy furred at the bottom of his cage. I've since picked him up and moved him so that he is next to food and water bowls, along with water bottles. He has not moved since I placed him there an hour ago. I don't see or feel any injuries on him. I rat phoned him and his heart sounded a little fast, but he always gets worked up when I pick him up. His lungs sound clear, but he was taking shallow breaths. When I pick him up, he feels limp. He normally tenses up when I pick him up. He was also just pooing, almost without control. He doesn't usually poo on me when I pick him up. All of his poos looked normal (they weren't fear poos either, since they weren't smelly or runny).
He is still with his cagemates, as I want to avoid stressing him out. I picked up and listened to all of my other rats and they all feel and sound normal. Literally nothing has changed in their cage. No new foods, water, bedding, hides, or anything. Nothing has changed in my home either. Since he isn't moving, I might move him into a big hide so that's he warm and surrounded by his brothers. This hide is next to a water dish and food dish. I tried offering him a puff and malt paste, and he showed no interest. He does react when I pet him and come to check on him.
Any and all help is appreciated. I'd attach a picture, but he looks normal. Just puffy furred and curled up.
