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 #2062416


Rattaleo
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 Sadness..

I wanted to reply to ToxicxxxKitty, but I didn’t want to hijack her post.. I’m sort of a similar situation - but my baby is only 1.5 years old.

He’s been battling a respiratory infection for a few months. I’ve taken him to the vet 3 times - tried 3 different antibiotics.. And he’d get better for a while but then it would start up again. We’ve tried Tetracycline, Baytril, and some other antibiotic but it just won’t kick the infection permanently. I keep him on Carefresh, and he’s in a Rat Manor cage in a (open) closet in the front room. I clean his cage regularly.. I don’t know what happened or how he got it...

For the last week or so, it’s gotten pretty bad. I can hear his rasping from across the room - it’s terrible. He’s having such a hard time breathing he actually rocks back and forth. He’s pretty much stopped eating. He’s caving in... His tail even looks skinny. He stays in his hammock all day - but when I go to get him out of the cage he’s ready to go - but he’ll just sit in my lap and let me pet him.

I don’t think he’ll make it much longer.. And it breaks my heart.. I can barely look at him when I pass the closet. Every time I talk about it I tear up. That’s my baby.. And I don’t want him to go.. He’s been the best rat I ever had.... And I don’t want him to go.. It’s just so hard..

I’ve decided to spoil the Hell out of him. Tonight, he got a steak dinner. With a side of baked potato and some honey bread roll. (Left overs). I figure if there’s nothing I can do.. I’ll make his last days/weeks extra special.

Any kind words would be appreciated...

(The first day I got him)



(Playin’ in a sock)



(Sittin’ at the vet)



(Chillin’ in the hammock)



08/23/09  03:20pm

 #2062488


ToxicxxxKitty
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   Message To: Rattaleo   In reference to Message Id: 2062416


 Sadness..

Oh im so sorry. I know exactly how you feel, its so hard to see your baby in such a bad condition knowing you cant do anything about it. Bless his little heart. I read in a rat magazine once that once they recieve URI you can never truely get rid of it, I bought a feeder rat (to keep as a pet) and he had a URI and he never got over it 100% even though we got him medicine and everything.

Again, im so very sorry about your baby. ): Best of luck to the both of you.
08/23/09  05:49pm

 #2062580


Rattaleo
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   Message To: ToxicxxxKitty   In reference to Message Id: 2062488


 Sadness..

It’s extremely hard.. Today, I laid on the couch and he sat on my shoulder for over an hour. Just sittin’ there, sleepin’. My arm fell asleep - but I couldn’t move it.. He just looked so cute. So peaceful. It made my heart sink.

My husband told me I can’t have any more rats after this - not because he doesn’t like them - but because they’re such cool critters and they just don’t live very long. I told him that was true - but I’m always going to want rats. I’ve had rats since I was 16 years old. And I just couldn’t imagine not having them. They’re just awesome little creatures. And even though their time is short, I think I’m always going to have one or two.

Last year - all young.



Eatin’ my camera.



Eatin’ some more.



Even though he’s just an inbreed, unhealthy feeder rat. He’s the best rat I’ve ever had. He’s so affectionate - he’s like a little dog. He’s got such a great personality, he’s never bitten me, always gives kisses. He’s just amazing. I’m going to be heartbroken when he passes.

Also, ToxicxxxKitty, I’m sorry for your loss. I read your other post - and I’m truly sorry.



08/23/09  08:53pm

 #2064559


GreySky
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   Message To: Rattaleo   In reference to Message Id: 2062580


 Sadness..

Why is it that those unhealthy feeder babies end up with the most loving personalities? =(



08/28/09  09:02am

 #2064695


Rattaleo
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   Message To: GreySky   In reference to Message Id: 2064559


 Sadness..

It sucks! It’s not fair!

He’s the most expensive rat I’ve ever owned. Well worth the money! He’s the rat love of my life!

The vet suggested one more run with Baytril before I think about putting him down. I don’t know if she did it because of her love of animals or if she wanted to squeeze money out of me.

So, we’ll see if it works or not.

Would it be fair of me to put him to sleep? I don’t think I could bring myself to do it.
08/28/09  02:57pm

 #2065195


GreySky
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   Message To: Rattaleo   In reference to Message Id: 2062416


 Sadness..

If he’s still eating, is happy to see you and looks like he’s putting up a fight I would try to keep him alive. If you think he’s too far gone maybe it’s for the best. It’s a hard decision. My 1 1/2 year old has bad respiratory problems himself. I’ve gone back and forth on whether I should put him down or not. I decided not to finally because he’s still happy and there’s still life in his eyes. Not to mention he eats like a pig. He wheezes like hell and sleeps a lot more than my other rat though. I feel bad that he has such a hard time breathing but he seems happy to be alive. It is on and off too. Some days he is perfectly fine.



08/29/09  06:59pm

 #2065814


Rattaleo
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   Message To: GreySky   In reference to Message Id: 2065195


 Sadness..

Since I’ve started him on the Baytril - he seems to be sounding a little better. I’m also taking him in the bathroom with me while I shower in the mornings.

He had a little diharrea over the weekend.. I don’t know if it’s because of the applesauce I’m giving him or what..

Every little thing is freaking me out.......
08/31/09  11:38am

 #2068595


Animal house :)
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   Message To: Rattaleo   In reference to Message Id: 2065814


 Sadness..

glad to hear hes doing better. i have a albino rat and he was my rescue feeder rat but he is proned to getting respotariy (i knw i spelled that wrong) problems also.
im glad your baby is doing better though(:
09/06/09  10:19pm


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