What should I do if a rat is unresponsive? - briefly
First, gently check for breathing and a pulse, keep the animal warm, and contact an emergency veterinarian without delay. Do not attempt home resuscitation unless you are trained in small‑animal CPR.
What should I do if a rat is unresponsive? - in detail
If a rat stops moving and shows no reaction, begin by confirming the lack of responsiveness. Gently tap the animal’s side or foot and observe any twitching or vocalization. Absence of movement indicates a medical emergency that requires immediate action.
- Check breathing – Place a hand near the nose and mouth to feel airflow. Look for chest rise. If no breath is detected, the animal is in cardiac arrest.
- Assess pulse – Feel the femoral artery on the inner thigh. A faint or absent pulse confirms circulatory failure.
- Provide warmth – Cover the rat with a clean, soft cloth and place a low‑temperature heating pad (≈30 °C) beneath it. Hypothermia can exacerbate shock.
- Initiate rescue breathing – If the airway is clear, gently open the mouth, seal it with a small syringe or pipette, and deliver 1 ml of room‑temperature sterile saline per breath, repeating every 5–10 seconds.
- Perform chest compressions – Position two fingers over the sternum, press down about one‑third of the chest depth (≈2 mm) at a rate of 200 compressions per minute. Alternate with rescue breaths in a 30:2 ratio.
- Seek professional help – Contact an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. Provide details of the incident, the rat’s age, weight, and any observed symptoms.
- Transport safely – Place the animal in a small, insulated carrier with a warm blanket. Minimize handling to avoid additional stress.
If the rat does not regain consciousness after a few minutes of CPR, continue supportive care while awaiting veterinary assistance. In cases of severe trauma, toxic exposure, or prolonged unresponsiveness, the veterinarian may recommend humane euthanasia to prevent suffering. Documentation of the event, including time of onset and interventions performed, assists the clinician in diagnosing the underlying cause.