Meet Chucky and Zero
Chucky and Zero had complex issues which needed to be resolved. We put a lot of work into them, but we're glad both bucks were able to live happy lives. Sadly, Zero is no longer with us, so we will write his full story within this post.
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Arrival:
We wanted to help Chucky and Zero as they were two elder rats (2 years old approx) and were presenting with respiratory issues in their previous home. We knew the pair would require sanctuary-status.
Their owner was also keen to find a home with a pre-existing mischief of rats that Chucky and Zero could join. They didn't want either rat to be alone when their friend passed away.
Upon arrival, it was clear Zero had the most significant respiratory issues. We suspected Zero had a chronic respiratory disease (CRD), and an untreated respiratory infection. We also noticed Zero was completely blind and had a very mild case of 'wheel-tail'.
Chucky didn't show symptoms of a disease, we suspected he had irritated airways.
Both bucks were introduced to nebulized isotonic saline (0.9% NaCl) BID.
Chucky:
Chucky's respiratory symptoms subsided after a week of nebulization therapy alongside prophylactics for CRD. He's not required further intervention for respiratory issues.
Initially, Chucky was a dominant and territorial rat who had a very nasty streak. Chucky's most prominent health concern was his aggression.
We managed to bond Chucky and Zero to Edgar, Zee, and Brent. Chucky's behaviour was increasingly problematic. After a short while, we decided Chucky needed to be castrated to calm his behaviour - it wasn't fair on the other rats.
Castration:
The veterinary surgeon successfully performed an orchiectomy. Chucky handled the anaesthesia well and was able to come home by mid-afternoon. Despite adequate post-operative pain relief, Chucky was overgrooming the surgical site. He's the only rat we've had to use a buster collar with for castration. Chucky was briefly housed in solitary adapted accomodation to minimalise the risk of injury and infection.
The vet also prescribed Chucky prophylactic antibiotics. He was administered oral Baytril/Enrofloxacin (fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agent).
Chucky, unfortunately, developed a very significant post-operative testicular abscess at the surgical site, despite preventative measures.
The vet believed the abscess occurred due to the excessive amounts of local fat stored around Chucky's testicular region. We carried on with oral Metacam/Meloxicam (NSAID) 1mg:1kg.
The abscess opened and healed well.
Chucky has had no further health issues. He's gone on to have over 10 friends! Castration significantly improved Chucky's behaviour. He's now a loving and submissive rat and hasn't inflicted any injuries since his surgery.
Zero:
Zero had a gentle and caring personality and was the perfect rat-companion.
After failing to respond to nebulized saline, we believed Zero had an untreated respiratory infection. Zero was prescribed a 4-week course of Ronaxan/Doxycycline (tetracycline antimicrobial agent) and Baytril/Enrofloxacin (fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agent) suspended with isotonic saline (0.9% NaCl) administered via a nebuliser.
Zero required additional support, including nebulized Corvental/Theophylline Ph. Eur. (bronchodilator) and Bisolvon/Bromhexine (bronchial mucolytic). He was also prescribed supportive oral Metacam/Meloxicam (NSAID) to help alleviate inflammation and pain.
We were able to treat Zero's respiratory infection. We managed to control his CRD with nebulized F10 antiseptic preparation BID for several months.
Pulmonary Fibrosis and Passing:
Zero suffered a significant relapse. Zero's total lung capacity was diminished and was considered low.
Although we weren't entirely convinced Zero had a respiratory infection, ourselves and the vet believed it would be sensible to at least try antimicrobial agents.
Zero was prescribed nebulized Doxycycline and Enrofloxacin, as well as Bisolvon and Corvental, suspended with F10 antiseptic. He was also prescribed non-steroidals.
Despite the aggressive intervention, Zero's respiratory effort and respiratory rate was drastically increasing. We discontinued non-steroidals and introduced him to nebulized Prednisolone (corticosteroid). Steroids can reduce lung scarring in some cases.
Each day, Zero was getting worse. We discontinued Prednisolone and introduced subcutaneous Dexadreson/Dexamethasone Bisodium Phosphate injections for potent, fast-acting inflammatory relief.
Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and thickened, causing irreversible lung scarring. It affects how much air your lungs can take in with each breath, and often causes numerous distressing symptoms.
Zero was entering a chronic state of panic due to ongoing breathlessness secondary to PF and complex, unmanageable pulmonary inflammation.
We decided humane euthanasia was the kindest option for Zero, we wanted to prevent further unnecessary suffering.
Zero passed away on 1st July 2019.
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