How does a rat look when it is dying? - briefly
A dying rat usually looks limp, with fluffed or matted fur, sunken, unresponsive eyes, and shallow or absent breathing. Its skin may become pale or grayish, and the tail often hangs loosely.
How does a rat look when it is dying? - in detail
When a rodent approaches the end of life, several outward signs become evident.
The animal’s body often assumes a collapsed posture. Muscles lose tone, causing the spine to curve and the limbs to fold inward. The abdomen may appear distended as fluids accumulate, while the chest rises and falls shallowly, indicating weak respiration.
Eyes turn dull; the pupils dilate and may become fixed, and the cornea can develop a cloudy haze. The fur loses its sheen, becoming matted and disheveled, sometimes clumped with blood or exudate. Skin may appear pale or bluish, especially around the extremities, reflecting reduced circulation.
Tail and whiskers may curl or droop, and the tail can become limp, showing loss of muscular control. Reflexes diminish: the animal no longer reacts to gentle stimuli, and any attempts to move result in slow, uncoordinated shuffling.
Breathing patterns change dramatically. Respiratory rate slows to a few breaths per minute, with occasional gasps that are irregular and shallow. Audible wheezing or rattling may be heard as airway secretions build up.
Internally, the heart’s rhythm becomes erratic, leading to occasional arrhythmic beats that can be felt as faint thumps if the animal is handled gently. Blood pressure drops, causing cyanosis in the tongue and gums.
Typical observations can be summarized:
- Collapsed, curved body shape
- Dilated, fixed pupils; cloudy cornea
- Dull, matted fur; pale or bluish skin
- Limp tail and drooping whiskers
- Diminished reflexes, lack of response to touch
- Slow, shallow, irregular breathing; possible wheezing
- Weak, irregular heartbeat; cyanotic mucous membranes
These external cues collectively indicate that the rodent is in the final stages of its life cycle.