My rat had a stroke!

Ok well one of my rats Elliot had a stroke 3 days ago. I couldn't take him to the vet so I tried to get some nutrients intovhim by feeding him honey weet-bix. It kept him alive. Now he is really struggling and I don't know if I should put him down. It sounds selfish but I feel like what if he coul of coped?

I have been trying to teach him to walk again, use the drink bottle and just stand. The stroke has effected the left side of his body and now he has a permanent head tilt. He can't balance, he gets stuck on his back, can't judge distances well because his heads on a new angle and he had respritery problem before this so now the phopharyn is running like a water fall.

He is eating, but drinking out of the bottle I have to help with but I can't put a bowel because if falls in he will drown. He was such a happy rat and would have given the whole world cuddles if they wanted it. Now he looks sad but he is fighting every day!! Tot was always my favourite and the vets can't do anything for him now so I'm just wondering what you would do?I'm thinking it might be time to let go. It brakes my heart to have to but I want him to be happy not fight everyday because I want him to.

This probably doesn't make snse so sorry I just had to talk to someone about it. I will try and get a video of Him trying to stand so you can see what I mean.

Thank you anway
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I am sorry. What a tough choice. Elliot will let you know what he needs- look in his eyes :)

Ohh, I'm sorry .

Sounds it's time to let him to go.

Ive come to that choice too. He looks miserable tonight he can no longer use his back legs. I have chosen to give him a tiny wicy bit of my dads medication that is supposed to stimulate the blood to your brain and heart and break drown any clots, it supposed to help humans with stroke and was tested in rats so we will see if he gets better by morning. If not I will let him go. The only thing is my dad has to do it, the vets cost SO Much money and my parents don't want to spend that much. I have a feeling he is too far gone and last night he might of had a second one. Today I dug a hole next to Ollie my rat who died in march who lived 3
Yrs. It's just really tough as I love him sooo much and he always used to at his cage door waiting to jump into my arms for kisses or attack my socks now his just sad :'(

I am sooo mad at the breeder I bought him off. She said her rats were healthy, she had no myco in her rattery ( she did ) and they wernt line bred!!! She did everything! And I tried sooo hard to prevent illness there cage gets spot cleaned every day, a wash clean every two days, fed breakfest and dinner with a full day supply of grain, fruit and vedge, they get one onone time with me and then all get an hour in the play room, they get fed natural herbs to help there immune system! I did everything!! And now I've failed my poor, poor Elliot :'(

P.s there are also rats who have survived stroke and gone on to live happily even with there head tilt... I just don't know!
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I would let him go as he will be in pain now and he will be waiting for you on rainbow bridge

Just remember that strokes can happen to any animal, any time. It's no one's fault, and could have happened to the most amazing breeder's stock or the most amazing pet owner's rat. Don't beat yourself up over it. Also, almost EVERY rat has myco. Line-breeding can help significantly with temperament and other issues. So try not to bash up the breeder. ;)

I am sorry that you are going through this-- I went through similar situations when I bred gerbils.

I thought I would let you know Elliot has now passed on and hopefully is happy...

Vivache,

I understand about needing to line breed for temperment but it is very delicate if you line breed too close it causes faults. Im just angry at how she handled it. She was just false advertising. Now I have found out she has gotten rid of ALL her rats (even her pets) so I think something has gone through her rattery and she is getting about before some one picks up on it. But whats done is done and I can't bring him back as mcuh as would give anything to do.

Well im hoping his in a better place and is happy and not in pain

RIP Elliot

Im sorry for the loss of your Elliot. I have had a few pet rats myself (and a mouse)...and I adored them. People thought I was crazy but my rats even had surgery for tumors...but they were worth it to me. Elliot was a very handsome fellow...be happy for the time you had with him.

And sometimes no matter how good the care is and how good the breeding is...things happen beyond anyone's control...please don't think you did anything wrong. You sound like a wonderful rattie mom :)

Thank you offthetrack that means alot! I have two mice aswell

I think only lab rats that have been bred in special conditions don't have myco. It is in pretty much every rat, some just don't show symptoms of it.