Pedialyte, although fairly expensive, is also a good choice.  It comes in a bunch of different flavors.  I'd give her some mushy foods like baby food or baby cereal in soy milk (you could probably mix Pedialyte in it).  It's also a good idea to keep her warm.  Good luck and keep us posted.

Yay Lycan! So happy to hear she made it through the night!!

You can try some Boost or Ensure, too, if she's still not eating a whole lot. It'll help and get some nutrients into her. If she's having issues with solid foods, try some of the baby foods.

As for the treats, some people use baking chips instead. Any flavor she might like..

try warming the baby food a bit if you didn't already, makes it more appealing.  Turkey vegetable is one type that most rats won't turn down, but there are lots they will...pick little beggars   
You keep fighting Lycan!

I just caught up on this thread.  I'm pulling for you!

I'm so glad Lycan is doing better!! Wishing you both the best of luck, you'll be in my thoughts.

I also had a thought - what about trying the re-hydrating formulas people have posted on here before? It may
not take away the initial illness, but if she's dehydrated I've read that can make it a lot worse and her symptoms
appear worse. One recipe I read on here sounded really yummy, I'll see if I can find it.

Edit: Posted below.


1 tbsp.          Honey
1 pinch          Salt
1 cup/8 oz.     Water

Well Lycan is so-so. I don't believe breathing as hard. I was at the petstore and the women showed me puppy milk with 33% protein. Kitty milk only had 18%  I got it. I remember a few telling me to try that.  Am I OK giving it to her?  She loves it and almost drank 2 syringe fulls this AM.
I was going to get ensure but we had to take my step-daughter to Patient first, glad I got puppy milk by the time we were done i wouldn't have been able to get ensure.
Plus the puppy milk is in a powder so I can mix up how much I want.
And did I mention how much she loves it 

Well she drank 2 more syringe fulls a bit ago. I really don't think she is going to improve. I asked hubby that I want to take her and have her put down and I got the answer "I'm not payingfor a rat to be put down"  I don't know anymore., She hasn't gotten better. She has eaten though.  What should I do?

Lycan is on her way to the vets.  I feel horrible that I couldn't do more. I just couldn't let her suffer any longer. Not being able to breath is horrible. We are going to bury her tomorrow.

I love you my dear sweet, sweet Lycan.   

I'm so, so sorry to hear about your loss.  Lycan loves you for caring for her so deeply and well. 

Thank you

I'm so sorry. You did the right thing for her, no matter how hard it may be.

Funny story. My Mom took her for me. She went into the vets and they took her right back. She is in the room and goes to pet Lycan and she is gone. My Mom was frantic and ran back to her car. There was sweet little Lycan sitting on her passenger seat in the sun. I guess I or hubby forgot to shut the cage all the way.

They did gas first. My Mom said and the vet that it took a really long time. Her breathing was so shallow. My Mom stayed with her the whole time. The vet also said she was skin and bones.

Lycan was given to my Mom in a box. She wrapped the box in Angel wrapping paper. Put some fleece in there (the same stuff I made her hammock out of), put her Yogie in there I gave her before she left and some angel coin. She looked so peaceful. Then we buried her in my Mom's yard. My step daughter put a carrot with Lycan that she grew. Now in the summertime the butterflies can be with her.