My rat died...I can't figure out why??

Question

Hi everybody.
This time two weeks ago, I would be able to tell you that I have two beautiful, male rats that I absolutely love. Unfortunately, I lost one of them about 6 hours ago and I have no idea why. They both came from the same litter, and I got them when they were just babies. I fed them a healthy diet, changed their cage twice a week, and gave them lots of love and attention. They grew to love each other and were very close. One of them grew to be almost twice the size of the other one. I figured the smaller one must just be the runt of the litter, however, I noticed his personality was weird as well. He never had much energy, and was always very quite and reserved. about 4 days ago, I started to notice how skinny he was. He was always skinny, but never to that extent. I also noticed watery diarrhea all over his back end. His eyes and nose was completely clear, so I know it wasn't an upper respiratory thing. I separated the rats...and he died one day later...what do you think?

Answer 1

I can understand how upset you must be right now..and I'm very sorry that you lost the little one.

Sounds like failure to thrive to me-growth is affected as is weight, and activity, leading up to your pets death.

He doesn't need to have any illness but failure to thrive may effect the animals immune system, and cause secondary infections. His level of care may be excellent but the rat still fails to thrive regardless of the best care in the world.

It's unfortunate that this has happened to you-

How is the other rat doing? Rats can become depressed at the loss of a cage mate. I would suggest that you adopt another rat to provide a play mate and companion for the surviving rat.



All the best to you,



Teej.

Answer 2

I don't usually say "take him to the vet", but in this case it would be a good idea to take the remaining boy to make sure he is healthy. I would be twice- awful if he died too even though it may not be an illness.



It sounds like he may never have been very healthy. It may have been your good care that he lived as long as he did.



If the rat is found to be in good health and the other to have had a constitutional weakness then your guy ought to have a new cage-mate while he is still young an agreeable to accept a new rattie.



I hope this proves to be the case and so sorry for your loss.



Rats are such aware little beings. He need extra love and care since he lost a brother and friend. Good luck. BT

Answer 3

Because you stated that they were both males and one was always smaller than the other, I would guess that even though they appeared to be friendly toward one another, there may have been food bullying going on and you just never noticed. It is particularly common in males to establish dominance by keeping other males away from the food, females, etc. The watery bowel movement toward the end was just his internal organs giving out.



If you decide to get a pair of rats in the future, you may want to get two females. Bullying like that doesn't usually happen with females.



Sorry for your loss.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

i am so sorry for you loss!!!!! i did some research and it the syptoms of your rat all fall into the category of wet tail. it usually happens with hamsters, but it can happen to rats also. wet tail syptoms are, diareahh, runny stools, lack of appetite, depression, lack of energy, and a wet bottom.

i would get some meds, ask your vet. maybe your other rat might have gotten it. i am so sorry about your rat! =-(

Answer 6

start the other rat of yours on the antibiotics asap you dont wanna lose that rat either

good luck

Answer 7

take him to the vet and they will do an autopsy. there is a new type of animal flu going around that kills within days that have similar symptoms that you describe. he could also have a thyroid disorder.

Answer 8

Why didn't you take your rat to the vet when you first noticed something. Well you still can and they can do an autopsy.

Answer 9

It must have been a genetic disease.

Try researching at

www.fancyrat.com



I feel so sorry for you ; (

Answer 10

u also have a cat eh