My rats diet

[~*~Perfection~*~]

Hey everyone, for the past few days one of my rats hasn't been to good. I'm just wondering is their DIET right?
They get Rat and mouse food, nutri-block, and a mineral chewing block. I just gave them some fresh apples to. The rat and mouse food has drien fruits and vegitables, nutri-block halves, grain, seeds, soy beans, nuts and dried corn. I'm really worried about twister,
her eyes have poroyphin all over, and her nose to! ?I can only bring her to the vet on thursdays.

1. Is their diet ok?
2. are they getting enough stuff they need?
3.Will Twister be ok till thursday?

P.S Twister has had a URI before.

[Dearpie]

I think we've already discussed that the rat and mouse food isn't the best for rats.  We've suggested either Suebee's diet or Deb D's diet, which is outlined on The Rat Fan Club webpage.  That being said, and the fact that she's had a URI previously and is currently dealing with a lot of porphryn, I'd get her to the vet sooner.   Does she have other symptoms?  Has anything changed in the environment?   You need to define "hasnt been too good" ...

And we're not vets, we can't tell you if she'll be ok until Thursday.  All we can tell you is that rats can go downhill VERY quickly, over night, or even in a matter of hours.  We've given the information, but it's up to you go get the vet care that she needs, and to make the judgement call about how serious things are.   Good luck.

[Suebee]

I can't add anything to what Dearpie said... I agree that something else may be wrong in addition to a mediocre diet, and a vet visit is in order.

But, I also recommend you ditch the mineral chewing block -- rats simply don't need them. They're just one more useless thing pet stores try to sell you...

[Sugarfoxx]

Although this has been covered, I will still join in and suggest the vet appt. be made sooner.

If she has had a URI before, chances that it is more severe this time are higher since she may have had some minor scarring from the first one.  That is very common but makes it difficult to control in future flare ups.   Rats health decline so super fast.......sometimes right before your eyes.
An infection that is left untreated for four days is very very risky.
I am not sure why you can only go on Thursdays (vet is only in once a week or work keeps you from going etc....)  but I would find a way to get her there today.  Seriously.
Count the weekend too and that makes her sick for more than a few days by the time Thursday rolls around.

Good luck!  Keep us posted on  the outcome.   
Sometimes sharing on the forum when your rats are ill, the symptoms, the treatment and the outcome really can help many other people to learn more about rats and their health care.

Again.......good luck......hope you can get her in today!

[~*~Perfection~*~]

They love the mineral chewing block, plus it keeps their teeth down sized.
Vet appt. I've tried to get into my vet but its packed the earliest i can get is thursday. No other vets deal with rats, not for atleast hours away. I've been keeping her feed and watered and warm too. I hope she can hold till thursday.

[Dearpie]

The point about the mineral block is that it's not a necessary thing.  I'm not sure how good the excess minerals are for the rat.  For all I know, it could be the cause of her distress.

Vets take walk in emergencies.  That's what they do.  If it were my rat, I'd take it in and sit and wait until they worked me in.  I know I've waited many a time in the waiting room, WELL past my appointment time, due to emergency visits by other patients.  Again, it's your call and your rats life if she's that bad off.   

[~*~Perfection~*~]

I'm headed to the vet. Be back in like an hour! im gonna yell, but im 15 years old only. Damn it...

[Rattenburg]

I'm glad you've decided to take her to the vet, though I'm not sure what your age matters. 

[SR&P]

I'm glad you've decided to take her to the vet, though I'm not sure what your age matters.

Age discrimination.

[~*~Perfection~*~]

Hey everyone, sorry had do do stuff. She has a serious URI and im really sad. She is staying overnight and in the morning she has to be put down. 
She has a colasped lung because of a tumor, they cant fix it and shes in alot of pain. I just want her to be comfy and happy. I think this is the only thing we could of done.  I'm going to miss twister so much.

[RATITUDE]

I'm sorry to hear about Twister. It's always hard to have to make that decision. I know your doing what is best for her. Just know that she knows she was loved very much by you and you gave her the best life you could have. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time.