It just wasn't enough...

After about 3 months of vet trips and medications, I found my rat Charlie dead today. I bought him less than a year ago for $1 as a weaned feeder rat, my other rat Lucky who I hand raised as a pup needed a companion. Charlie was very shy at first, but has grown so well and became such a sweetheart. I noticed about 3 months ago that he had myco stains around his eyes and seemed to be losing weight. He was battling something. Antibiotics seemed to help for a few weeks, but then he got worse. He lost visibly noticeable weight, and his fur started falling out. I immediately took him back to the vet, in which they found lice. He was put on a stronger antibiotic and treated for the lice, which were gone within days. His wounds from scratching were healing, and he was really doing better it seemed. Finding him dead today was definitely a shock.

I know especially with feeder rats, genetics play a large roll in how healthy they are. The only way I can get over this loss is to blame his genetics. I really tried to help him. Throughout all of this, my other rat Lucky showed no signs of sickness in any way, and is still thriving. I gave Charlie a lot more time on this Earth than he would have had if I had left him at the shop. He lived a comfortable life with his buddy Lucky for quite a long time. I'm glad he's not suffering any more, I just wish he had given me more warning. RIP little buddy, you will be missed :tears:

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I have better pictures I'll have to post later...just on a different computer right now :tears:

Very sorry to hear that leigh.

It's funny how certain animals kind of weasle their way into our hearts!

So sorry to hear about Charlie passing :tears:

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Originally Posted by DemmBalls

Very sorry to hear that leigh.

It's funny how certain animals kind of weasle their way into our hearts!

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very true!!!! i'm sorry to hear :(

sorry to hear of your loss. I know if anyone did everything they could do help save him, it would be you. take some peice of mind knowing that you did do everything you could and tried the best that anyone could have.

Sorry to hear about your poor baby passing. I've never kept a rat for a pet - please tell me what sort of pet they make. Do they let you hold them and interact with them.

Your pics of them in that hammock look soooo adorable - makes me want one for a pet.

I just need more info on them.

Thanks.

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Originally Posted by L.West

Sorry to hear about your poor baby passing. I've never kept a rat for a pet - please tell me what sort of pet they make. Do they let you hold them and interact with them.

Your pics of them in that hammock look soooo adorable - makes me want one for a pet.

I just need more info on them.

Thanks.

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I never wanted rats for pets either, but I wouldn't have changed it either way. I originally bought Lucky as a pup, eyes closed and all, for my first picky snake. He survived the night in with her, and I didn't have the heart to freeze him alive....so I bottle fed him and a few weeks later weaned him. Once he was weaned I bought Charlie as a weaned rat to be his friend.

Rats are really social, and I think mine are just the friendliest ones out there. I'd say if you got rats for pets, get them as young as possible, weaned is fine. Mine just want attention and love to be snuggled. I definitely suggest 2 or more. I've heard males can fight, but mine always did well together, maybe because they were so young when I put them together. If you want any other info you can PM me. I'll give you all the info I can.

So sorry for your loss Leah.

Awww. I am so sorry for your loss Leah. He was definitely a cutie.