What should be done if a rat is not moving but is breathing? - briefly
If a rodent is immobile but still breathing, first assess cardiac activity and reflexes; absent signs of life, proceed with humane euthanasia per institutional protocol, otherwise keep the animal warm, monitor closely, and seek veterinary guidance.
What should be done if a rat is not moving but is breathing? - in detail
If a laboratory or pet rodent lies still while still drawing breath, immediate assessment is required to determine whether the animal is merely stunned, suffering from a reversible condition, or approaching irreversible decline.
First, observe the breathing pattern. Count thoracic movements for one minute. A regular rate of 70–120 breaths per minute indicates adequate ventilation; irregular or shallow breaths suggest respiratory distress.
Next, evaluate responsiveness. Apply a gentle tactile stimulus—press lightly on the forelimb or the base of the tail. A reflexive twitch or whisker movement confirms some neurological function. Absence of any response after repeated gentle stimulation warrants further intervention.
Check for a palpable pulse. Place two fingers over the femoral artery just distal to the inguinal region. A detectable beat, even faint, demonstrates circulatory activity. If the pulse is absent, the animal is likely in cardiac arrest.
Maintain body temperature. Small mammals lose heat rapidly; place the rat on a warm (37 °C) heating pad or under a heat lamp, ensuring no direct contact that could cause burns. Monitor temperature for at least five minutes.
If breathing is present but weak, support respiration. Provide supplemental oxygen via a small chamber or a mask fitted with a low-flow flowmeter (1–2 L/min). Observe for improvement in respiratory effort.
Administer emergency fluids only under veterinary guidance. Intraperitoneal injection of warmed sterile saline (10 mL/kg) can alleviate hypovolemia, but incorrect dosing may worsen the condition.
Document all observations: time of onset, environmental conditions, stimulus applied, and physiological measurements. This record assists the attending veterinarian in diagnosing underlying causes such as hypoglycemia, hypoxia, anesthesia overdose, or traumatic injury.
When a qualified veterinarian is unavailable, contact the nearest animal emergency service promptly. Provide the animal’s species, approximate weight, observed signs, and the steps already taken.
If professional help confirms irreversible loss of neurological function despite maintained respiration, humane euthanasia following approved protocols (e.g., CO₂ inhalation or injectable barbiturate) should be performed to prevent unnecessary suffering.