RIP Nemo

[ymmot]

Hi, My little buddy Nemo passed today at around 12pm, I wasn't around to see him go though, He died at the old age of 2.5 years old. So sad to have him gone, had him since he was 6 weeks. Always wanted to come out and run around. I have a question though, he was found very stiff, the day before he had labored breathing and very tired. I think it was a stroke that took him. Thanks for the help.

RIP Nemo - Mar 02, 2006 - Jun 23, 2008. You will be missed.

[Marybelle]

I'm so sorry for your loss. 

Rats get rigor mortis, just like people do.  It seems to set in pretty quickly after they die, which would be why Nemo was stiff when you found him.  With labored breathing the day before, a stroke is possible, as is a heart attack, a respiratory infection, or, just plain old age.