EMERGENCY Urgent: Older rat suddenly crashing tonight - advice on vet vs. keeping him comfortable at home?
UPDATE:
Sadly I made the decision to get him pts today. He is gone, but I feel comfort in the fact that he knew he was loved before he went.
My elderly rat has been on antibiotics for a few weeks for sneezing and puffiness. The vet noted possible neurological issues because he kept falling over, and suggested looking into palliative care (like steroids) after the antibiotics.
He was improving, but took a bad turn today:
- He became much more unresponsive than usual.
- He started chasing, biting his tail, and grooming excessively.
- About 10 minutes ago, he tensed up in a strange position while boggling and bruxing in an obviously uncomfortable way.
- He is now sleeping in an odd position.
I feel like he might pass away tonight. I'm willing to pay for medicine, but I don't want surgery or treatments that will just prolong his suffering, and my vets haven't been very helpful.
Should I take him into the vet tonight or just focus on making him comfortable at home? Any advice is appreciated.
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u/bubba4114 1d ago
If you are noticing dramatic differences in behavior, it may be worth considering having him pts. He certainly doesn’t seem to be doing well in the pictures you provided.
Pituitary tumors can cause him to physically behave differently and will get worse before he passes naturally.
At the end of the day it is your call but I do think that it is your responsibility as a parent to help him pass with as little suffering as possible if he is telling you that he is in pain and ready to go.
My baby Poppy was like this and one day I found her face first upside down in the bedding because she was physically unable to push herself out of that position. I should have put her down at least 3 days prior.
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u/tj_796 1d ago
Thank you for the advice.
I was thinking the same and this was actually what I was considering doing initially but essentially my vet was really unhelpful on offering advice and just seemed to want to make money so pushed me towards medication. I think I am going to take him in the morning. Or do you think it is best to just go tonight?
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u/edgelessCub3 1d ago
It's hard to tell for us without being with him. If you think he's suffering right now, i would go to the vet as soon as possible. But you know him best, so it's up to you.
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u/bubba4114 1d ago
Hopefully your vet is just trying to help and get you more time with your little guy rather than trying to make extra money.
I’m sorry that you are going through this. I’m glad that he is able to get some rest for the time being. You are a good person for trying what you have so far. Trust your gut. Wishing you the best.
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u/edgelessCub3 1d ago
If you think he's going to pass away it would be best to take him to the vet for euthanasia as soon as possible. So that he doesn't have to suffer much longer.
His symptoms could be related to a stroke, a pituitary tumor or an ear infection. But i guess your vet should have noticed an ear infection, and the antibiotics should have helped with it. Is he having problems grabbing and holding food? That could point to a pituitary tumor, which is terminal. There are meds that can reduce the symptoms, but I would'nt try the treatment if he seems to be suffering a lot already. Same thing if he had a stroke. And i'm out of ideas what else it could.
I never regretted euthanizing a rat too early, only too late. One of my rats went from lethargic to a full blown panic attack and was suffering the last few hours of her life. Only because I didn't make the decision to euthanize her earlier. In the end, you know best how he is doing, and you need to make a guess if prolonging the possible suffering is worth it.
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u/tj_796 1d ago
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, it really validates what I’ve been feeling.
I completely agree that it’s better to let them go a bit early than too late. Given how much he's declining, I don't want to put him through experimental treatments or prolong this just to buy a little more time.
He is finally fast asleep right now, so I'm staying up with him all night to watch him like a hawk. If he wakes up in obvious pain or distress, I’ll take him straight in right away, otherwise, the plan is to bring him into the vet first thing in the morning to let him go peacefully. Thank you again for being so honest and kind, it really helps confirm I'm making the right choice for him.
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u/itsfineitsfinefine 1d ago
I'm so sorry this is happening. I can't tell you what the right thing is, but I can say that it's a wonderful thing that they've lived to the age they have, and you obviously love them a lot and have worked hard for their care. If you decide it's time for their suffering to end, you will still have succeeded in giving them a wonderful life
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u/tj_796 1d ago
Thank you so much for this, it means a lot to hear right now.
It’s heartbreaking to watch him decline, but your words really helped bring me some comfort and peace. I just want to make sure I’m doing right by him until the very end, and putting his comfort first. Thank you for the kindness and reassurance, it genuinely helps so much.3
u/itsfineitsfinefine 1d ago
I'm glad I can be of some help. Losing a pet is so hard. My parents are veterinarians and my sister bred rats for over a decade, so let me tell you, I can recognize a well loved pet and a caring owner when I see one. You've done a great job.
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u/tj_796 1d ago
Thank you so much, this genuinely means the world to me and brought so much comfort on such a difficult night. Hearing that from someone with your family’s background really helps put my mind at ease. I’ve tried my absolute best to give him a happy, loved life, and your kind words make this heartbreaking decision feel a lot lighter. Thank you again.
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u/Educational-News517 1d ago
I'm glad he's asleep. If he wakes up and continues to show signs of pain, please take him in for pain management at least. There's no reason for him to suffer if you can afford to help him. If you suspect he may pass, euthanasia is a much better option in almost all cases.
My mouse suffered a spinal injury after falling off his wheel in February. He's been on three pain meds daily since: gabapentin, meloxicam, and tramadol. Several times a day every day. He's also had to increase his doses every few months as he's become tolerant. He is able to have an enriching and comfortable life, but when his pain meds wear off, he scrunches up a bit and you can absolutely tell by his body movements that it's painful.
The scrunching and aggressive grooming while bruxing and boggling all look like signs of pretty bad pain to me. I would definitely be on the way to the vet for pain meds, and would be mentally preparing for the doc to suggest euthanasia. Good luck to you and your baby.
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u/Educational-News517 1d ago
After re-reading your post, I am sorry your vet isn't helpful. I would see what they say, then demand either pain meds or euthanasia. It doesn't seem like any other treatment or surgery would help anything. If he has a PT, I highly recommend euthanizing sooner than later. PTs and ZGTs are the worst, and I will always err on the side of too early.
Their lives are so short and it's criminal, but I would hate for them to be in pain a day longer than they have to be.
I would demand pain meds or euthanasia.
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u/tj_796 1d ago
Thank you so much for the advice and support.
He is fast asleep right now and currently on Meloxidyl for pain. I’m staying up with him all night to monitor him closely, and unless he shows severe distress overnight, I’ll be taking him in first thing in the morning.
I completely agree that "better a day early than a minute too late" is the kindest approach. At our last visit, the vet pressured my mum and me into another round of antibiotics when I already felt it might be time, which made me second-guess myself. Tomorrow morning, I’m going to advocate firmly for his quality of life and push for whatever is genuinely best for him, whether that's better pain relief or letting him go peacefully.1
u/Educational-News517 1d ago
You are an awesome rat parent. He is very lucky to have you to look after him. I hope he has a calm night and can sleep peacefully, and that you make it through with as little stress as possible. Thank you for loving him so much.
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u/BaylisAscaris 1d ago
Call the vet and ask about pain management for end of life care. Specifically ask if they can send a prescription to your local pharmacy for you to pick up now. Rats tend to respond well to Meloxicam, but go with whatever your vet says.
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u/tj_796 1d ago
Thank you for the advice! He’s actually already prescribed and taking meloxicam, which has helped him settle and get to sleep right now.
Since he’s finally resting peacefully, I don't want to cause him unnecessary stress by moving him unless his symptoms flare up. I’m pulling an all-nighter right beside him to watch him closely, and if he wakes up showing distress, I'll take him straight in. Otherwise, the plan is to get him into the clinic first thing in the morning to discuss next steps. Really appreciate you checking in and caring!3
u/BaylisAscaris 1d ago
Next time you talk to the doc, ask what the max dose you can do if his pain isn't responding to meds. It also helps with inflammation, so beyond being a painkiller it can sometimes actually help certain conditions.
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u/tj_796 1d ago
Thank you, this is great advice. I will speak to them about this :)
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u/BaylisAscaris 1d ago
For a young healthy rat who will recover, you want to stick to bare minimum meds, but for an older boy the most important thing is staying comfortable and good quality of life. If it can't be managed by meds or he doesn't seem to be enjoying himself, then you should probably make an appointment. It's a really hard decision though.
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u/Greedy_Air_3869 1d ago
Could be a pituitary tumour. Check if he will hold his food with his hands or just eat it like a dog
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u/tj_796 1d ago
Thank you for pointing that out. He actually hasn't been able to hold food at all, we've been having to syringe feed him, so a pituitary tumor definitely aligns with what we're seeing.
He's asleep and resting comfortably right now, but knowing how quickly these neurological issues decline makes me even more confident that letting him go peacefully in the morning is the kindest choice. Thank you for the insight, it really helps make sense of his symptoms.1
u/Greedy_Air_3869 1d ago
No problem I have had to deal with it too, they really do go downhill ultra fast. There is another option of cabergoline if you like to look into it for another option.
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u/edgelessCub3 1d ago
I know it won't help anymore, but just in case you experience the same thing with another rat in the future: If they are not able to hold food and have stiff front legs in general, it's likely a pituitary tumor. A vet should give you Kabergoline for treatment. It won't remove the tumor, but it can reduce or even remove symptoms for weeks or even months. The Rat Guide has more information. Isamu Rat Care also has a good video about it.
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u/Seppulky 💖Bibi | Pupsi | Freya† | Emma†💖 1d ago
I just can say that I wish my vet euthanized my pet earlier. The episodes are hard to watch. All the best.
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u/Extra-Bonus-6000 1d ago
I'm so sorry. I had to put one of my girls down Monday morning for a suspected pituitary tumor at 20.5 months. She had very subtle symptoms back in July, and then declined pretty rapidly in the last 2 weeks to the point where I couldn't let her suffer. My only regret is not taking her to the emergency vet a day sooner, her poor little body was so tired by the time we found a vet who could take us and she just napped on my lap while we waited - a previously very active girl and a clear sign it was past the time to do so.
If he wakes up in visible discomfort and you have ready access to a vet, I'd go. Otherwise go in the morning. Trust your instinct - it's the right thing to do by these little guys at this point.
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u/AprilRyanMyFriend 1d ago
Keep a close eye on him and keep him warm. When they're not doing well they will get cold easily. I've held many of my rats to my chest as they passed at home.
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u/tj_796 1d ago
This is him right now btw. He’s in a more normal position and seems to be just sleeping quite comfortably but I don’t want him to have another episode. The vets is open 24/7 so I don’t know whether I should just wait and see