would like more info on heart problems

[weasel]

Hi,

I read some of the discussion on heart problems on the other thread (rat has no energy) and thought I'd ask if any of you folks have any additional info on the subject. What Ruthie described is exactly what my Frances is going through. Frances is a little over 2 yrs old and a couple of weeks ago started dropping a lot of weight and propping her head up all the time. She also loses her balance a lot. I thought I was going to lose her last night she looked so bad, but this morning she's eating like crazy. I've given her a heating pad to lay on because she feels so cold and she seems to like it a lot. Her sister died a couple of months ago with similar symptoms, but she didn't hang on nearly as long as Frances has. What else can ya'll tell me about heart disease in ratties?

Thanks!

[Ruthie]

Without treatment it is fatal.
You will need to take her to the vet and have him/her listen to and possibly x-ray her heart to make sure that is what it is.
It could be a heart murmur or an enlarged heart which I'm not sure is something that can be determined with only a stethescope.
She will need to be put on lasix and enacard for the rest of her life, but it is so worth it. Often you give .1cc of lasix twice a day, and 1/4th of a 1mg enacard pill (it only comes in pill form) twice a day. It depends on the severity of the heart disease. Sometimes you give more and sometimes less.
Heart disease is actually more common in old rats then most people think.
If it is determined that it's not a heart problem after a thorough examination, then there is the possibility of her having a pituitary tumor.

If you have more questions, feel free to ask.

Also, here's a great article for you to read. http://ratfanclub.org/resp.html
I also highly recommend getting Debbie D's Rat Health Care Booklet (where this article is from). It's awesome, I can't live without it.

[weasel]

Wow, thanks! You've been a great help. What great information. I'll get my little girl to the vet. I hope I haven't waited too long, it's been almost a month since she started showing symptoms.

[Ruthie]

Good luck!
Keep us posted okay?

[Ratlady]

If your rat is listing to one side or losing co-ordination, then it could be signs of a pituitary tumour or brain damage - or simply an inner ear infection. However, you suspect that it may be heart trouble. This can only be diagnosed by a GOOD rattie vet.
Heart trouble isn't uncommon in rats and can be helped with a medication called Lasix. this is a diaretic and relieves fluid on the heart and lungs. The main thing is to find out exactly what is the problem.
Inner ear infections can be treated with antibiotics. A pituitary tumour is, sadly, incurrable, but can be relieved by the use of Prednisalone. This is a steroid that can give your rat another few weeks of quality life. Heart problems often accompany respiratory problems, so ask your vet about this.
if your vet isn't experienced with rats, check out my web site - The Rat rehoming Regiser (www.ratrehome.co.uk) for a list of good vets.
I hope this helps. I've nursed old, disabled and sick rat for many years. if I can be of any help, please emaol me (ratlady@aol.com)
My other web site may also be of help - www.ratplanet.co.uk - which has a guide to rattie illnesses :)
I wish you and your rattie the best!

[Ruthie]

That's spelled Prednisone. ;)

In a previous thread I described the symptoms of heart disease. Weasel saw it and found that his rattie is exhibiting the same thing. I can't remember the name of the thread now.

Lasix is good, but often it needs to be coupled with Enacard, which works on the actual heart muscle. Both of them together work wonders. It's like having your rat suddenly become their old selves again.

I've had lots of personal experience with heart disease, can't you tell? ;)


Hey Weasel, how's your girl doing?

[weasel]

Hi Ruthie,

I took Frances to my vet yesterday. She was looking particularly bad yesterday morning. He did an xray and her heart was enlarged but she also had a lot of cloudiness in her lungs. She wasn't making those clicking or weezing sounds so the vet thought it was scarring from chronic inflammation. He felt she was too far gone to get much reward from treatment so she passed over the rainbow bridge. I miss her a lot. I don't know how long I'll be able to go without getting some more ratties. I lost her sister 2 mos. ago. I should contact a breeder next time so that I can get potentially healthier animals. All the rats I've had have been from pet stores that were destined for snake food or abuse by small children. I've taken some satisfaction in feeling like I've "saved" them but they've never been very healthy from the get go and I've never had one live more than 2 1/2 years. I guess when the time is right I'll get some more "children." Thanks for all your help. :)

[hollywilly]

Weasel,

I am so sorry to hear about your lost. I've been keeping up with your thread and was hoping, along with everyone else, that your Frances would get better. Both of your rats were so very lucky to have you as a rat parent and I'm sure had the very best rattie life possible. I know that everyone of us on this forum understands your pain right now and are feeling for you. Rescuing rats is a very noble deed and I'm very proud that you did--many people wouldn't bother.

Take care

[Ruthie]

I'm so very sorry. *HUGS*

When you're ready to get rats from a breeder, let me know. I'll give you some guidelines to help you find a GOOD breeder. Not all breeders are reputable.

*more HUGS*

[Ratlady]

I'm so very sorry too. I'd hoped she would have had some more qulity time with you. It's never easy, I know, but if it's any consolation at all, I've been taking in rescued rats for years and very few have lived as long as your little one. You obviously did a great job. I'll be thinking of you.
I agree with Ruthie about breeders. Although some are very good, there are also a lot of suspect ones.
Many hugs and wet whiskers,