Rat won't hold food when she eats

[caleppert]

My female rat has recently stopped using her paws to hold food when she eats it.  She tries to eat it off her arm vs holding it.  Sometimes it rolls back enough that she is trying to eat a block off her chest, that is, until she falls over.  She walks normally and everything, she has just strangely stopped holding food.  Does any one have any ideas as to what might be causing this? 

Additionally info, she's 22 months and has longish nails which was the only possible reason besides something neurological that I could think of.  Could long nails cause her to do that (I've been kind of a slacker since my other rat never needs hers clipped, though they aren't super huge or anything).

Thanks!

[italianqt]

Sounds like a PT. Can you get her to a vet and get some steroids for her?

[lilspaz68]

Classic early symptom of pituitary tumour, she will need antibiotics and a steroid to give her a quality of life.  Sadly IF it is PT it is eventually fatal as it is a tumour on the pituitary gland But with treatment you can slow it down sometimes, and extend their life.

[caleppert]

How does a vet identify this type of tumor?  Is it some kind of test, or do they prescribe steroid based on symptoms?  Is this something she would need to be on for the rest of her life (however long that is)?  How long do rats usually last once a PT is identified?  Lastly, is a pituitary tumor something you eventually have to euthanize for due to poor quality of life?

Thanks again.

[lilspaz68]

http://ratguide.com/health/neoplasia/pituitary_tumor.php

I have a girly in the earlier stages of it right now.  I have her on baytril and dexamethasone (steroid, but most people use oral prednisone) and she is doing pretty good.  They have trouble grasping with their front paws and can sometimes seem wobbly or confused.  There is very little way to diagnose PT except off the symptoms.  Read the article on ratguide, and the 2 figures (case histories).  Both of those girls were mine and cover most of the symptoms and progression you will see.

Make sure there's another symptom before "diagnosing" PT, and we have all our paws crossed for you.

Mine usually only live a matter of weeks, but I treasure each stolen moment.  Lani might be fine for awhile since I caught it so early and decided to try the diagnostic dosing, which she responded to.