I think Asher is dying!!!

[Lucara]

I noticed Asher acting strangely today. He was easy for me to catch, which neither are since they havnt been held very much and I found him a couple of times hunched over in a corner by himself. He was hunched up like he was trying to poop but I've seen him poop. Hes also been very affectionate, which I like, but I honestly dont think its because he likes me, its just too soon.
I've also noticed that Aiden hasnt been hanging around Asher anymore. They would sleep together sometimes but Aiden just hasnt really seemed to take an interest in Asher.
I've been worried that they havnt been drinking enough, if anything since they got here. Is there anyway to force them to drink? Should I take him to the vet?

I've been doing some quick reading and it sounds almost exactly like Mycoplasma. Hes been doing almost everything listed:

Sneezing/Wheezing
breathing seems laboured
hunched posture
Chattering (as in shivering from the chills)
weight loss
__________________

 

[BishopiMaster]

i probably couldnt even help, but i noticed you didnt tell what kind of animal "asher" is

 

[Lucara]

Oh, I post him and my other boy on a couple of other threads. Their my new baby rats.

 

[BishopiMaster]

if you truely care about him, seek out a vet asap, probably not what your wanted to hear

 

[Gesticulator]

Oh no! There are some things you can do, like taking him in the bathroom and letting him breathe steamy air. Hold his belly up to your ear and see if his breathing sounds clear. Definitely take him to the vet.

 

[arachyd]

Check out the rat lover's websites and message boards and arm yourself with knowledge so you know what is needed. This way, even if your vet is not exactly a rat specialist you can make sure your rat gets correct care.

 

[Archnophil]

SOunds like it may be Myco....Take him to the vet and the vet will most likely prescribe Baytril. Thats what we had to giv e3 of my rats when they were affected by myco.

Good luck and i hope he puls through....Hes sooooooo cute

-Phil.

 

[Lucara]

I wont even get the chance...he died some time last night. =*(

 

[sweetmisery]

Im sorry for your loss... its really hard losing pets, as personally, I think they deserve better than some humans.

 

[Lucara]

Aiden hasnt shown any signs of being ill but neither did Asher until the night he died so I scheduled a vet appointment for this afternoon. We'll see if theres anything wrong with him as well...

 

[Gesticulator]

The vet may opt to give him a preventative dose of antibiotic. I am so sorry that you are going through this. Rats are very susceptible to URIs, and some just don't have strong enough immune systems. Give Aiden some extra love, as I am sure he misses his brother. He will need a new cagemate, once he is deemed healthy.
The person you got them from should know as well, and should inform the others that adopted Asher's siblings. Sometimes rats can carry things for 3 weeks before symptoms show.
Again, I really do feel for you, Lucara.
HUGZ
Terri

 

[arachyd]

So sorry for your loss Learn as much as you can, stock up on meds currently in use for rats because unfortunately when they get sick they can go downhill VERY fast. Sometimes faster than you can get help for them. It is such a shame. If you get a new companion for Aiden it would be wise to keep them apart until you are sure he isn't sick too. I agree that you must let the breeder know.

 

[Lucara]

I got back from taking Aiden to the vet. She said they both most likely have mycoplasma and I've been given meds for him that need to be administered twice a day for around 2 weeks. He also has lice apparently so hes going to be staying in a tank for the 2 weeks until his lice are gone since I have to change and disinfect everything daily.
I'm already on the move to find Aiden a new cage mate and I think I may actually get 2 more males for him.

My silly little $5 rat just cost me $150 vet visit that still requires a return visit for more medication next week. I hope he knows how much I love him!

 

[sweetmisery]

LOL! $150 for a $5 rat. Yeah you sure do love him! Thats good.

Though $150 could get you 30 rats!!!

Good luck!

 

[Gesticulator]

Sounds like Aiden is on his way to living a healthy life. He is lucky to have you. Yes, I had the same little chuckle over the cost of a vet visit and antibiotics for my $10 pets. There are reputable rescues and breeders out there, just keep searching.

 

[tigger_my_T.]

so sorry for your lose, its hard when a pet gets sick and dies, just recently happend to me. But Adien sounds like he has a wonderful owner, good luck on fining him a cage mate.

 

[OldHag]

That is so sad!! Im sorry that happened!!

My rat got pneumonia once. The vet wanted to charge me 40 just to look at her and I was so poor I just couldnt do it. So I did some research and went to a Walco (animal medicines and such) store and bought some Oxi-mycin put it in her water and she recovered!!!
Another thing you can do if they get stuffy and sneezy is get a chocolate chip and let them take ONE bite from it. The caffeine in it helps clear up the congestion til you can get them medicine.
Sorry again for your loss

 

[Lucara]

Aiden is doing great. Hes put on a lot of weight too! I still have another week of stripping his cage and giving him meds before he can go back into his larger cage. I feel horrible about it all though..my step mom can hold hima nd he just sits there grooming himself and my mom mom can hold him and he falls asleep in her hands but if I hold him he goes off running in every direction he can..its all because I'm the one squirting the horrid meds down his throat...=*(

 

[tigger_my_T.]

He'll forget eventually, when my cat needed meds. it was a nightmare.:wall:

 

[Lucara]

Aiden actually sat semi quietly in my hand today!
He went for his second vet visit and he went from 85grams to 102grams so hes not boney anymore! =D The vet said he looks great! Hes still got a couple lice on him so he was given a second treatment and has to go back in another week.
I should be picking up 2 more boys sometime next week as well! Their super cute too! Then I get to start the vet visits all over again. *sigh* =P oh well!