One of my rats is losing a lot of weight :(

4 of my 7 boys are hitting the 2 year mark pretty soon here, which unfortunately means they are likely nearing the end of their lives.
The smallest of those 4 is down from 440 grams to just a little over 400, which I understand to be a strong indicator that he may not be with us for much longer. I'm giving him all the extra treats and attention, and it is ripping my fucking heart in two. He is the sweetest little boy.

Everyone go give your animals hugs and pets from me please.

2 years is for wild rats, pets are more like 4 years.

May the transition be kind and long off, to the both of you, and to any other adjacent awarenesses.

Near the end, they tend to lose their appetite.

He was breathing hard this morning - like mouth open wheezing for air and I was a complete wreck. Thank God Schmen kept it together, because I was absolutely worthless.

Vet put him on oxygen for a couple hours and we've got some steroids and antibiotics, but the prognosis isnt great.

Kyuubi4269 posted...

2 years is for wild rats, pets are more like 4 years.

1.5 is pretty typical for wild, domestic is 2-3

coyot posted...

Did your rat recover from an injury?

Nah, he's been healthy until very recently

Amuseum posted...

Near the end, they tend to lose their appetite.

He still eats and takes and takes treats greedily. Granted, I dont keep eyes on him 24 hours a day, but at least until this morning his behavior was totally normal.