put to sleep?

[Blue]

How do you know when it's time to let your rat go? My elderly rat-boy, Hutch.. just seems to have gone a bit downhill in the last few days. He lost the use of his back legs some time ago but was able to get around okay. Now I noticed odd little red veins on his back legs and toes.. he's really completely paralyzed back there, I think.

I think it's hard for him to even get around with his front arms anymore. He doesn't seem to be eating his food.. shows no interest in it. I don't know if his scent or vision is going - sometimes I surprise him when his eyes are wide open.

Yesterday or the day before, I think he may have had a small seizure.. I heard clicking again the food bowl and went over to the cage - he was banging against it repeatedly and one of his little fists were balled up. After a minute or two he relaxed again.

He's mostly staying in his upside-down cuddle cup.. sleeping. He still tries to wash his face. :\

I managed to get some apple sauce into him after some persausion - had to hold the spoon up to his mouth and get some food on his mouth before he started licking.

What should I do? When I pick him up he feels so.. odd. Dry, light, fragile. His third birthday is Dec 14..

[Darksong17]

When an animal stops eating and it is obvious that they are no longer happy and enjoying life it is time to help them on to the other side, what you described does sound like a seizure, good luck with your little rattie =(

[Sugarfoxx]

When they no longer have any quality of life.  When they no longer enjoy the things they liked so much from yogis to cuddles with you.  When they no longer can groom properly due to weakness.  Rats are strong and brave animals.  They diguise their illness till they cant stand it any longer.  I usually help mine to the bridge when they are fragile and cannot do much for themselves.  They dont really want for us to do everything for them. Thats losing their dignity to them.  
Jack, my part wild boy had heart disease.  He was on medicine and oxygen and for a while he did great.  Toward the end he would become exhausted just walking across the cage. Thats no life for him.  He told me with his eyes that he was tired.

You will know.  If you think he is tired now....its time.

[pigsandrats]

When an animal stops eating and it is obvious that they are no longer happy and enjoying life it is time to help them on to the other side, what you described does sound like a seizure, good luck with your little rattie =(

Yep.

Please feel good about the fact that's he's near three years old. So many ratties never make it that far. Although it's a horrible decision at any age. 

You know your rattie best. And he'll let you know if it's time.

*hug* 

[Calviness]

Everyone has given you great advice.

:Hug:

[nancycccslp]

I think you're asking what you already know.............................
It's just so hard.  We never stop asking ourselves if we did the right thing at the right time.
You know him.  You know what he was, and you know what he IS. 
I'm so sorry. 

[Blue]

thank you.

I put Hutch to sleep today at 4:20 or so.

[Kendra]

I'm very sorry you had to make that decision, Blue, but, from your description, I think you made the right one.   

[Siana]

I'm sorry you had to make such a hard decision.  It's never easy, but I think it was the right one to do.  *Hugs*

[Ree]

*hug*

[Darksong17]

I also think you made the right and kindest decision *hugs* I'm sorry for your loss, may you meet him at the rainbow bridge when it's your time.

[NancyO]

I'm sorry for your loss.  Keeping a rat to 3 years is great.  Hutch must have had a very good life with you.

Nancy

[Calviness]

I'm sorry.  I teared up when I read this, but I really think you made the right decision.

[Eileen]

Awww... I am sorry.

Sweet dreams, little Hutch.

[TheChicagoCrew]

I'm so sorry you had to have Hutch pts, Blue. *HUGS* You gave him the best life possible and I know Hutch and Fargo are watching over you now, together again. 

-Melina

[liza]

I'm very sorry you had to let Hutch go. It was the right decision. He was blessed to have had a loving person around him. I'm very sorry. He is young again and full of energy.
 

[Marybelle]

I'm sorry, Blue.  *hugs*

[p3purr]

         

:

[nancycccslp]

Ahhh.........I cried when I read your update.  Of course you did the right thing, and of course you did the hardest thing.

I'm so sorry.  You loved him so much; how I wish they lived longer..............

He was a very lucky guy.

[umbrella]

::hugs::

Hutch was the most well-cared-for, spoiled ratty I'd ever met. He and Fargo can go kick George's butt for that time that she bit Hutch.

[rampantrats]

HUGS

Run free and easy at the bridge sweet Hutch

[quellykin1]

  It is so hard, but I agree from your description that it was time to let him go. He had a long wonderful life with you with a lot of love -- and you were there for him even when you had to be strong and help him pass on.