i'm so sorry you are going through this!!! If there are no er vets around I would just try and keep her comfortable as possable.  Call the vet FIRST THING in the morning and get Willow in- this is an emergency!  Think of her quality of life, it sounds like her seizures are getting worse......I would have her put to sleep if she was my rattie. 

was it blood or porhyrin?

yes take her to the vet asap and keep us informed!

hope she does okies.  Lots of love.xoxoxoxox

Hedgehaven - for your Information i did take her in last week she was to old for any medication. (They would cause heart complications). and last night NOTE im 15, my parents were sleeping, and it was late. Not vets were open and The ER vet I couldnt reach (I called). I would have ran her to the vet last night, but I couldnt get a hold of the place.
and no Im not breaking the law, because i did get her medical help with nothing to be done. I always get my rats medical help. Hence, the over 2000 dollars for nutmeg, Boos surgery tomorrow morning, Moles constant teeth clipping, baytril for matilas resp problems (Very slight) im a paranoid kid, i take my pets in for everything (Obviously)
I' would do anything for an animal when I can - and she isnt suffering anymore shes back up and running about, eating drinking ect Bruxing, boggling, sleeping..
And for your information , I would have her PTS but its close to her time anyways (Shes 3+). I've done it before to animals, and Hedgehaven - any animal comes before me. All the people here know that.
Got her she couldnt walk, i healed her untill she could, she was underweight i fixed it mostly, she got mites i fixed that, broke her arm, got it fixed, took her to the vets, (As well as my others for the monthly exam) and healed her after boo (for no reason) attacked her.
Like ive said, ive done all i can.
I've helped her through alot, and done anything i could
I had to put nutmeg down (she was the best rat) and yes it broke my heart but it was for her.

*edited by ratqueen for content.  Personal attacks are not tolerated on this forum.

Corrina, that comment was absolutely uncalled for.

When a person comes to the rat health board for health advice more often than not the best (if not the only) answer we can give is get them to a vet.  We all understand what it's like to be a teenager and have to rely on others for a long of things.  No one is taunting anyone, and no one is accusing Snowy of not loving her rats.

First and foremost this is a rat health arena and many of the people posting to it are indeed going to be more concerned that the rat get the health care it needs, and put that as their top priority.  At the same time we should all remember that behind each keyboard is a human being and there will be no name-calling or insults permitted anywhere on these boards.

Thanks everyone.
Is there anything (other then meds) that can help ward them off in the future? A certin Veggie?
She gets ensure already has ever since I got her.

I really don't understand why the vet is unwilling to give her meds for her seizures just because she is old and "going to go anyway."  Was it phenobarbitol?  Although animals like Willow (and my past bunny) may "recover" between episodes, it is really not fun to watch the seizures get worse and more frequent, like I said.  There is nothing you can do to prevent it from happening again without drugs.  She could die much more peacefully if on meds like the sedatives prescribed for seizures or if PTS.  Do you really want to go through this again and again?

I really don't see how my post insulted anyone. Snowyrats wanted kind advice, not to be put down for her situation. All I said is that you have to understand where the person is coming from before you insult them.

well, I guess you have to trust that your vet knows best--I've just not had consistent experience with rats and vets myself and it can be very frustrating.  I hope you don't think I am trying to put you down.  I just hope she goes peacefully and you don't have to go through any more emergencies.  I know it must be very traumatic for you to see her suffer.  I'm glad you took her to the vet.  Many wouldn't even give her that chance.  May she have peaceful last days.

I'm bringing hrr in on saterday to see if there is anything - if there is, that can be done.
I do have a feeling she's going ot leave in hr sleep one day soon, last night she fell aslepp in my hoodie and was limp and motionless but breathing.

A veterinarian my prescribe various treatments to help with convulsions and in my experience almost all of them are suitable for a rat of very advanced age. Most often with this type of seizure, there is a problem underlying the symptomatology that might not be fixable. (Such as a brain tumour or a problem with her nervous system or even strokes)  - At that point you and the vet decide whether or not to investigate the underlying problem (usually not possible) or treat the symptoms (which usually is minimally possible) --even with a mild corticosteroid, - however... your vet may feel that little Willow cannot recover or even be helped by treatment.   If that's the case, you should ask your vet about quality of life issues and discuss euthanasia.

I know you love your little gal and take care of her and she's old, but seizures and strokes can be very frightening for the animal and painful. There is involuntary movement and paralysis with awareness and cramping of the muscles, changes in the heart rhythm, respiratory rate, etc... rats will often bite the inside of their mouth and bleed (as Willow may have) during one of these attacks or otherwise hurt themselves.  If you wait it out, surely she will die (maybe soon) of whatever is behind her symptoms perhaps in her sleep but maybe she will die during a seizure.  I'm sure you don't want Willow to end her life like that, do you?  Sometimes the kindest thing is the hardest thing to do.

The question of when to put a rat to sleep is a hard one but one we all might have to face. I have euthanised animals who were anywhere between young and three years old with not much life left in them -- terminal discomfort is the deciding factor.  I believe all animals have a right to the best of care and the most comfort for as long as they are with you.  Sometimes this means letting go instead of letting time and disease rob them of comfort, peace and dignity.  It's so hard.    (hug)

Good luck with your little one no matter what.

Thanks everyone...
what I meant by going back is just seeing if she'll double check everything and maybe can get me some medication. anyways
I also add - she's got cancer too, doesnt hurt her just-is there.
I do have that gut feeling she's going to leave.
And Boo and willow are going ot vets on Saterday for sure.
I just have to drop in before one.

WS you're very kind.  Thank you.
I know hwat its like to have animals PTS (nutmeg) and i know it's for the better. If the vet can't do anything, I'll ask about it. But She's most likely going very soon, she was just bruxing for me anyways like usuall brux brux boggle sleepy brux boggle boggle..
She is always eating though... that's what I dont understand.
She's so old, and delicate - why does she persist herself to live? I've told her she can go, Nutmegs waiting for her. I told her, I've held her. I just wish my little sweet girl would make up her mind. It's trama for both of us, and if nothing can be done. The worst may be the best.   

...

Willow,
You came to me underweight, immobile and still
You came with eyes half closed and heart dull
You grew to be one very sweet girl
Wanting cuddles in exchange for bruxes and boggles
You got stronger
By the days and the nights
Nutmeg became your only friend after basil merely tried to harm you
You fought and healed yourself
Told yourself you were okay
You got new friends; three babies
And nutmeg had gone soon after
You held your head up and ran around
Like you were top rat.
Suddenly,
Not so many nights ago
You gagged and you twitched
You were suddenly stiff yet limp.
You made noises when you breathed
Your will left you eyes that night
And now here we shall sit and fight.
Eat my child, you must be strong
Walk my child, you must get along
But if you can’t fight it
My dearest willow
Nutmeg waits for you on the other side of the hill
She’ll be your guide to the rainbow bridge
Where you my child
Will have a strong heart once again
My sweetest rat, that sight had killed me
Here I sat, worried if you shall be okay.
Its okay my dearest Willow
You can go now,
It is your time. Don’t fight the war you cannot win,
Lay and rest until your days end.
Willow my dear,
Its okay, run off to the bridge
Painless, young, and strong again,
One more thing
I love you in my hearts tiniest bits
And my entire heart and soul.
I just want to say girl,
It’s okay for you to go.
To the rainbow bridge where you belong



Whatever the outcome Sweetie, you'll always be in my prayers, soul, and heart. 
Whether it's a good one, or possibly the worst, I'm there for you willow.

 

 ... I made myself cry.