What to treat a rat that doesn’t eat or drink? - briefly
Provide prompt veterinary care, including subcutaneous or intravenous fluid therapy and assisted feeding with a syringe or feeding tube, while keeping the rat warm and stress‑free.
What to treat a rat that doesn’t eat or drink? - in detail
A rat that stops eating and drinking is at immediate risk of dehydration and rapid weight loss. Prompt action is essential.
First, assess the animal’s condition. Check for signs of lethargy, abnormal breathing, nasal or ocular discharge, and any visible wounds or dental problems. Palpate the abdomen for discomfort and examine the oral cavity for overgrown incisors or sores.
If dehydration is evident, begin fluid therapy without delay. Options include:
- Subcutaneous saline injection: 0.9 % sterile saline, 1 ml per 10 g body weight, administered in the scruff of the neck. Repeat every 12 hours if needed.
- Oral rehydration solution: Offer a homemade mixture of lukewarm water, a pinch of sugar, and a small amount of electrolytes (e.g., Pedialyte) using a syringe without a needle. Provide 0.5 ml per gram of body weight every few hours.
- Intraperitoneal or intravenous fluids: Reserved for severe cases and performed by a veterinarian.
Nutritional support should follow hydration. Strategies include:
- High‑calorie soft foods: Offer mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, or commercial rodent gel diets that require minimal chewing.
- Forced feeding: Use a small syringe to deliver a nutritionally balanced, liquid diet (e.g., Pedialyte mixed with kitten formula) at 0.5 ml per gram body weight every 4–6 hours.
- Dental care: If overgrown teeth impede intake, schedule a dental trim by a qualified professional.
Environmental factors can exacerbate anorexia. Ensure the cage is clean, temperature is stable (20‑24 °C), and stressors such as loud noises or aggressive cage mates are eliminated. Provide fresh bedding, hideouts, and a consistent light‑dark cycle.
Monitoring is critical. Record weight daily, observe stool consistency, and note any changes in behavior. Weight loss exceeding 10 % of body mass within 24 hours warrants immediate veterinary intervention.
Seek professional care if:
- The rat remains unwilling to ingest fluids after two attempts.
- Signs of respiratory infection, severe diarrhea, or bleeding appear.
- There is evidence of underlying disease (e.g., tumors, organ failure) that requires diagnostic testing.
Timely fluid replacement, targeted nutrition, and elimination of stressors together increase the likelihood of recovery for a rat that has ceased eating and drinking.