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Title: Managing weight in an old rat? Post by: nevadamoon on July 17, 2008, 06:53:59 PM I have a rat that's over 2. Anyway, the past week or so I've noticed he's actually putting ON weight. It's not centered in one area, and it's not hugely noticeable. He was average sized, now he's a bit squishier then average. He has some hind end degeneration, but it's not really that noticeable unless he's 'tight rope walking' (which he likes doing.). He's fairly active, doesn't really play but wanders around a lot.
He lives with several other rats, the oldest is probably half his age. And I feed them at roughly the same time every day, and in the mid morning they get veggies. At night (When I feed them) there's rarely anything left, and they don't really stash much around, so I don't think I'm feeding them too much. None of the younger guys look like they've been putting on any weight, anyway. Should I just leave him be, or is there something I could do? I know most people have the opposite issue with old guys, but I'm just concerned that putting on weight now could make things harder on him, especially if/when the hind leg weakness gets worse. Title: Re: Managing weight in an old rat? Post by: GStar on July 17, 2008, 11:02:20 PM I'm no expert, however I know my vet would prefer to see a squishy older rat over a skinny one.
When my rats have been sick they have not wanted to eat at all and so having a reserve of fat can help them through that time. What is his current weight? and can you feel the ribs with a thin/medium covering of fat. If you can't feel the ribs he is obese. BTW my currrent rats weigh; 300g(she's 2 1/2yrs with 3 tumours and we are trying to keep the weight on) 356g(she's 7 months) 440g(he's 6 months) Title: Re: Managing weight in an old rat? Post by: mamarat2 on July 18, 2008, 03:06:15 PM How is his breathing/respiration looking? Not sure how much weight he looks like he has gained or maybe fluid retention?
One thing that I know can accompany heart problems in rats is fluid retention (FYI). If he looks healthy otherwise, I wouldn'rt worry. Just remember if he can't reach his male parts anymore to clean, he may need some help with plug removals. Title: Re: Managing weight in an old rat? Post by: nevadamoon on July 19, 2008, 10:33:59 AM It hasn't been much weight gain, really it's barely visible. (If at all.) He just feels heftier when you pick him up. His breathing is great, he really doesn't act his age at all. Seems to be able to clean himself well, too. :)
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