My rat isn't acting like himself? Could he be dying?

Question

He's not very active anymore. And it seems like this has only happened over the last week or so. He's having a very hard time climbing the ramps in his cage. When he goes to the top of his cage, he'll fall off the shelves. I'll have him on my shoulder and he'll just fall off and he never used to do that. He's still eating and drinking as far as I can tell. And he's just acting tired all the time.

I would suspect old age, but it's happened so suddenly. Could he have a major problem? (I've done some research, but I haven't really found anything that fits all his symptoms.)

? · Accepted Answer

Well it's hard to tell what the problem is by the way you describe it, but either he is having issues with balance or he is getting weaker, both could cause falling over.  But what are all his symptoms other than falling that you did research on?  But anyway...

If you think he is having balance problems, he most likely has an ear infection.  Pituitary tumors can cause this type of behavior as well, but they are more common in female rats, and an ear infection would be treated initially anyway to rule it out.  If this is the case he needs to go to the vet for antibiotics.  Other symptoms you may see as well are circling or leaning to one side for ear infections.  Or you can smell his ears to see if they smell bad (if the infection is deep in the inner ear there probably won't be a smell but it just helps to diagnose).

If he just seems to be generally weak and has trouble keeping himself up then it could be the beginnings or hind leg degeneration or he could have had a stroke.  Strokes usually effect one side of the body more than the other, but they can lead to weakness and it would come on very suddenly like you experienced.  If he had a stroke he may be able to recover.  It is also very common for older males to develop hind leg degeneration, where they cannot walk as well or they may totally lose use of their limbs.  Usually as long as their quality of life is still okay and they seem happy it isn't a problem, but you will have to make accommodations for him to be able to get around more easily.

So first thing you will want to do it take him to the vet if you still aren't sure which he has.  If it is an ear infection he will get a round of antibiotics and should be back to normal within a week.  If they think he had a stroke or has hind leg degeneration they may put him on some meds like corticosteriods to help he get some strength back, there are other meds that can help as well.  And if this is the case you will need to turn his cage into a one level cage so he can get around easily and so you can assure he will always be able to access his food and water.  If he does have a pituitary tumor (but not as likely) then again he can be given the meds to slow its growth and put less pressure on the brain.  And after that it's just about keeping him comfortable.

But hopefully you figure out what the problem is and get it sorted out or at least make things easier for him.

LIL&#39; PUNK · Answer

first off, I'm sorry your rat isn't feeling well. 
I think he's just getting old, if he drops any weight then it's time to worry. (and if he does, feed him applesauce it hydrates him and hopefully put weight back on him) maybe it's time to visit the vet?

Anonymous · Answer

Im just gonna be annoying 

WTF BOOM

My rat isn't acting like himself? Could he be dying?

3 Answers