Violet has lost all coordination...I think she has to be put to sleep. :(

[MoRats]

A few weeks back, I posted a picture of Violet crammed into her food bin, eat everything in sight.   Since then, she has lost so much of her body weight, and I thought she was dehydrated because of meds in the water (She is 8 oz...I don't know how much that is in grams).  Apparently, I was wrong.  Her coordination is almost totally gone.  She has trouble moving her paws in sync.   She keeps falling over when she eats, and I think this has caused her to lose weight.  I have been feeding her oatmeal, which she seems to be able to handle, although she has a hard time coordinating her mouth and swallowing motions.  I am bringing her to the vet tomorrow, and I think it will be a one-way trip for her.   She has gone down-hill so suddenly!  She has always been my strongest, healthiest rat, with no signs of respiratory illness, so I don't believe it would be an inner ear infection.  Could it be a pituitary tumor?  I hear those cause total lack of coordination.  Has anyone seen a rat with this?  Can you see the tumor?  I can't see anything on Violet.  I feel so horrible, and I wish there was something I could do...  

[kmw]

Pituitary tumors are completely internal brain tumors, so no, you could not see them.  A vet may even have trouble picking one out on an x-ray.  It could also be a stroke, or small series of strokes which is causing Violet's troubles.  Antibiotics (just in case of infection) along with a steriod may help reverse symptoms, but they are not a cure if it is a tumor or strokes.  I'm sorry I can't offer any other information.  

[WeeRaffins]

I'm so sorry about Violet! I can't give you any info, I was just replying to say that I hope she'll be alright. Rattie hugs!

[JulesDoug]

To put your friend to sleep is a very hard decision .. but the final thing you can do to show how much you love Violet..now might not be the right time but if and when it is I wish you all the strength and love to get through this hard time.

[Ensie]

What you describe sounds EXACTLY like what happened to my last rat, Indigo. I took her in to my vet, who prescribed some medications. She seemed to be doing much better for about 4 or 5 days, but then she went downhill again really fast. When her paws started to turn blue, I decided to get her in to my vet right away on an emergency basis. She ended up dying in an oxygen tank at my vets. My vet had taken an x-ray when I brought her in the second time. Her heart was fine, but something was filling up in her lungs. Unfortunately, she died before we had a chance to do anything else. All of this took place over just three weeks' time; I didn't take her to see my vet until almost two weeks after I noticed that she wasn't her normal perky self. I wish two things: that I had acted much sooner in getting my rat to the vet, and that I had been able to be with her when she died. (Of course, if I had done the first, then maybe the second wouldn't have happened.   )

Get your baby in to see a vet who is experienced with rats right now, if you can. I really, really hope that this can be turned around and you can get your happy, healthy rat back.

If I had known that my rat would never come out of the vet's office, I would have put her down. At least that way, I would have been able to love her in her last moments. I hope that you don't have to put your rat down, because that is hard. Ask your vet what her chances are of coming out of this and make your decision from there.

Let us know how Violet does. I'm sending you thoughts right now.

[Rattiemama]

I don't really know anything about what could be causing Violet's woes, I just wanted to let you know you and your rattie are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope she can be helped by a Vet. I know how hard it is to put an animal to sleep. Try to get a few good moments with her if the prognosis is not good. Please let us know what happens. *sending snuggles and licks from Cookie and Dot as well*

[ckhs]

Im so sorry to hear about your violet...i too would suggest an immediate trip to the vet...They go so quickly.I hope she gets better soon...lots of love from me and my girls.