Expert: Sandra Todd - 6/17/2008

Question
QUESTION: There is something very wrong with my rat. He is not able to move the back half of his body.  He can move his legs but can not stand or push up. The front legs and front part of his body are working normally. He is also bleeding from his penis at times and has "sandy" feeling urine. He has rapid breathing.  

Any ideas on what is wrong?

ANSWER: Hi Rae

As you know your little rat is a pretty sick little boy.
He really needs to see a vet right away. I can tell now that the hematuria (bloody urine) means infection and inflammation.  
He possibly has a urinary tract infection along with Urolithiasis
( uroliths/calculi (stones) in the urinary tract.)  This condition needs treated promptly by a vet that knows how to care for rats.  You must get him in ASAP. If you need a vet please allow me to find one for you and I can even book the appointment if needed.
Also, the loss of use of his back quarters could be hind leg paralysis which is from inflammation on the nerves. This is seen in older rats.
How old is your rat, btw?

Right now you must push fluids on him to try to flush him out while waiting for the vet visit and be sure he eats soft diets such as baby foods. I would give him some watermelon too, this will really put some liquid in his body!!

I am hoping it isnt worse and he isnt going into kidney failure. A diet throughout a rats life that is high in protein can cause kidney disease after a few years of the kidneys trying to work properly as they are slowly being destroyed by poor diet.
What kind of diet has he been on and is he eating now?  Is he lethargic?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: He is a little over 1 year.  He eats a hamster and gerbil blend of grains/vegetables. We also started him on erythromycin (spelling?) yesterday as we suspected a urinary tract infection. He is only lethargic after eating or taking the medicine. Otherwise, he is ok.

Answer

You did not mention medicine before. What kind of medicine are you giving him?

He eats hamster and gerbil food? Why? He is not a hamster or gerbil, he is a rat. Hamsters and gerbils do NOT have the same nutritional needs as rats do.  Your rat should have a low protein lab block along with fruits, vegetables, a diet of whole grain cereals mixed along with meats at least twice a week.  

This food is probably contributing to kidney disease and he is in serious kidney failure, hence the sandy residue your finding in his urine.

What medication is he on? Has he seen a vet for this already?

If so, he needs to go to a different vet.I can help find a vet for you and even set up the appointment if you want. I will try to do what I can to get your rat to the best vet in your area just let me know your location.

Also, please change his diet.  Here is some good info on how to make your own rat food. Its fun to do, easy and inexpensive plus its good for your rat!  

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/ratsandahealthydiet.htm