RatPalace.com - Pet Rat Care and Discussion

Fri Feb 10, 2006 3:21 am

Beanz isnt very well Sad

She seems to have gone very thin & her breathing isnt too good
She is over 2 years old now we think, is it just old age or could there be something we can do to help her
She is booked into the vets tomorrow
Good Luck Beanz Crossed Fingers

Laura

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RIP Curly My Little Friend

Fri Feb 10, 2006 4:55 am

It could be something respiratory (an infection such as pneumonia, a myco flare, or chronic damage finally surfacing) or it could be a heart condition (such as congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy). They can both be treated and/or controlled - for infections, you have antibiotics - Baytril, doxy, marbocyl, etc are usually good choices. For severe infections, you can add decongestants like Bisolvon, diuretics like Lasix and asthma medicines like salbutamol or aminophilline. For heart problems, you can go with things like Lasix, enalapril, digoxin, etc to try and ease the heart problems and the symptoms that go along with them.

They can lose some weight and condition as they get older, but of course they can lose weight if anything stops them eating - anything from difficulty getting to the bowl or sit up to eat, illness, etc.

Good Vibes

and

- I hope the vet can help out and give her something to make her feel better.

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Andy & The Rats

~ Darwin ~ Maisie ~ Ella ~ Zak ~

~ Finn ~ Malachi ~ Azrael ~ Newton ~ Charlie ~

Fri Feb 10, 2006 3:40 pm

Thanks for the information

My fingers are still crossed for her Crossed Fingers

Laura

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RIP Curly My Little Friend

Sat Feb 11, 2006 1:25 am

Let us know how it goes. Good Vibes

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Andy & The Rats

~ Darwin ~ Maisie ~ Ella ~ Zak ~

~ Finn ~ Malachi ~ Azrael ~ Newton ~ Charlie ~

Mon Feb 13, 2006 2:00 am

The vet said she had pneumonia Sad

She said we should give her plenty of rest, keep her warm (away from the other two rats - toffee & fudge) and give her some antibiotics - Baytril
Shes got to go back on Thursday
Shes a lot better than she was already Mr. Green

Laura

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RIP Curly My Little Friend

Mon Feb 13, 2006 2:19 am

Glad to hear she's improving. Pneumonia is horrible, and I hate it with a passion. Chances are she won't pass it onto the others but your vet might have good reasons for suggesting otherwise - sometimes they're so poorly you need to keep them separate to make sure they're eating and drinking etc. or just to give them a rest from ratty life.

If she sounds congested, she might find some humidity helpful - either from a humidifier, or a steamy room... but sometimes that doesn't help or makes them fretful so just go with what she tells you. A piece of dark chocolate as well might help too. If she needs it, you can always add doxy to the baytril, you can probably increase the baytril dose and you can add other medications - decongestants, diuretics and so on. But hopefully she'll continue to improve. Be sure to tempt her with lots of yummy foods - baby food and warm instant oatmeal like reddy brek are usually favourites, served luke warm. wink

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Andy & The Rats

~ Darwin ~ Maisie ~ Ella ~ Zak ~

~ Finn ~ Malachi ~ Azrael ~ Newton ~ Charlie ~

Mon Feb 13, 2006 10:59 pm

Make sure she's eating something. I believe my old rat probably had pneumonia..my vet thought she was too old and weak for treatment. The only things I could get her to eat were moistened nutri-blocks and puppy food, yogurt and banana and sometimes a yogie if she would take it. I just hate to see rats all skinny and unwell...try to get her weight back up

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~*Allie*~
Puppy: Pepper (my big suck) Kitty: Kitterz
Birdie:Mehico aka.Cheeky
Ratties: RIP Penny...i miss you pretty girl <333
Peaches n' Cream..2 bRATS
Jibroney!! --new rescue rat

Mon Feb 13, 2006 11:23 pm

Awe....I am sorry!
I hope she pulls through and gets well soon!

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~~Dawn~~

Tue Feb 14, 2006 8:05 pm

Shes getting better each day
Shes still eating
I think shes having a nice rest without the two younger ones with her

Shes going back to the vets on thursday to see how shes gone on

Laura

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RIP Curly My Little Friend