Rat Problem

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Originally Posted by Michelle.C

I would have said stroke, but I don't see labored breathing, etc. Strokes in rats are almost always associated with labored breathing and lethargy (days before they lose motor function). I just lost a very special rat to a stroke and he was only 4 months, so it could be a stroke. I'm leaning more toward neurological or inner ear infection though.

Is it possible her head was crushed or she had some other form of blunt trauma? I know some rat racks are difficult to close and accidental injuries can be caused without knowledge from the keepers.

On a personal note, if you notice she is suffering and still has the same symptoms tomorrow, I would euthanize her.

Anyway, good luck.

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Ive held her and shes breathing normally and is trying to sit up right. But she just cant do it and she is eating when she wants. I know i didnt cause the trama if there is some as i use my hand to push thier heads back in when they try to come back out.

Though like i said her and her sister were rough housing a day or so ago and she was fine. I think she got roughed too much but wont ever know really why.

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Originally Posted by RichsBallPythons

Ive held her and shes breathing normally and is trying to sit up right. But she just cant do it and she is eating when she wants. I know i didnt cause the trama if there is some as i use my hand to push thier heads back in when they try to come back out.

Though like i said her and her sister were rough housing a day or so ago and she was fine. I think she got roughed too much but wont ever know really why.

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Very highly unlikely that her sister caused the trauma without there being any noticeable marks.

It's a sad fact, but rats don't live long. Something or another takes them out. Unless you take her to the vet or she's healthy tomorrow, I doubt you'll ever know.

It makes me sad that she is potentially suffering though. Just make her as comfortable as possible and keep her warm. If she did have a stroke, she'll need the external heat. As long as she's not in obvious distress and you care about her, I'd give her a bit to see if she comes around. If you are just hoping she pulls through for a new bloodline, I'd euthanize her.

I'm sorry I can't help more. :(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Michelle.C

Very highly unlikely that her sister caused the trauma without there being any noticeable marks.

It's a sad fact, but rats don't live long. Something or another takes them out. Unless you take her to the vet or she's healthy tomorrow, I doubt you'll ever know.

It makes me sad that she is potentially suffering though. Just make her as comfortable as possible and keep her warm. If she did have a stroke, she'll need the external heat. As long as she's not in obvious distress and you care about her, I'd give her a bit to see if she comes around. If you are just hoping she pulls through for a new bloodline, I'd euthanize her.

I'm sorry I can't help more. :(

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Its more than keeping her around to breed, i grow attached to all breeders as they are hand selected by me to be held back. Some of my breeders are 2 years old, males mostly and are healthy as can be.

If she pulls through it she will become a pet more than anything.

Heres some pictures of her just now as she is sitting up more and better, and you can see the front foot.

Shes kept in snake room at 81F right now.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/100_3310.jpg
http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/100_3309.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RichsBallPythons

Its more than keeping her around to breed, i grow attached to all breeders as they are hand selected by me to be held back. Some of my breeders are 2 years old, males mostly and are healthy as can be.

If she pulls through it she will become a pet more than anything.

Heres some pictures of her just now as she is sitting up more and better, and you can see the front foot.

Shes kept in snake room at 81F right now.

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/100_3310.jpg
http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/100_3309.jpg

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She's a beautiful little girl. With her losing motor functions, it does look like a stroke. Does she have more difficulty using one side more than the other? I know she was flopping around, but does she switch sides or is it constantly one side that is limp?

If it is a stroke, she will never make a good breeder. She will probably not make it through it this time and they almost always stroke out again, and breeding only increases these odds. If she lives, I suggest making her into a cage mate for other pregnant females, etc. Breeding her would likely cause her demise.

Honestly, imo, no matter what, she is not good breeding stock and I would possibly consider the new bloodline one you don't want to incorporate into your lines. Unless you know the bloodlines and this is a new health concern.

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Originally Posted by Michelle.C

She's a beautiful little girl. With her losing motor functions, it does look like a stroke. Does she have more difficulty using one side more than the other? I know she was flopping around, but does she switch sides or is it constantly one side that is limp?

If it is a stroke, she will never make a good breeder. She will probably not make it through it this time and they almost always stroke out again, and breeding only increases these odds. If she lives, I suggest making her into a cage mate for other pregnant females, etc. Breeding her would likely cause her demise.

Honestly, imo, no matter what, she is not good breeding stock and I would possibly consider the new bloodline one you don't want to incorporate into your lines. Unless you know the bloodlines and this is a new health concern.

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She always when trying to walk will fall on her right side and try to get back up. When she does she sits up like the pictures. And i will never breed her as i dont need what ever happened passed down. I am heavily leaning towards stroke due to no signs of Mycro flares as she never sneezes but the occasional one. Eyes and nose are clean. If shes just as bad tomorrow with not major improvement she will be put down and fed off.

Just an update, She got worse over night, still ate the soft foods i gave but wouldnt move and was completely limp when held.

Shes now resting in peace.

I remove any defective females from my colony right away. I don't need anything possibly tainting the pool.