Seizuring (?) Rat

Re: Seizuring (?) Rat

claire power — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 12:00:51 GMT

Yes I think pituitary adenomas most commonly present with vestibular signs/weakness/ataxia so prob unlikely if all the reflexes etc are normal. Any mammary tumours ?,

I havent heard of hypoglycaemia in rats, suppose it is possible that they could get an insulinoma but its not common. I think they can seizure because of hepatic disease, althouth its not that common, but without bloods is hard to know . Had a quick look through some papers, and apparently they often start epilepsy type signs after trauma at any age. I still think mycoplasma is prob most likely, so I would start antibiotics, but if no response and owners wont go for bloods then consider trying phenobarb - not at all ideal without bloods, but worth a try if the owners agree.

Good luck !

Claire

Re: Seizuring (?) Rat

Holly Norman — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 18:04:48 GMT

Thanks Claire. Rat clinically normal. No head tilt although has had a chronic respiratory infection (no surprises there!). Seizure episodes increasing in frequency, had another two in the past week. We've discussed bloods and owner considering it. I've seen pituitary tumours in her rats before and they've previously shown circling, inability to grasp food and head tilts but nothing like that seen in this patient. Would it be worth trying carbergoline? Prior to me posting I'd requested a urine sample as the owner described the rat as smelling 'sweet'. Could this be hypoglycaemia? You mentioned underlying diseases such as liver disease. Is hepatic encephalopathy seen in rats? All help much appreciated!

Re: Seizuring (?) Rat

claire power — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 19:07:50 GMT

I think the things to consider for fits in rats are -a) mycoplasma infection - although normally a respiratory bug I think it can cause central signs - any sign of a head tilt at all ? b) systemic disease ie liver etc c) neoplasia I think they are prone to pituitary tumours. d) poss lead or zinc probably unlikely but may be worth checking of any poss access

I would do bloods first ( from lateral tail vein or jugular uga) for a general biochem and haematology profile and probably start on antibiotics ( enrofloxacin or doxycycline). The I suppose it depends on results, response to tx and how far the owner want to go with diagnostics. If phenobarb needed can give 1-2 mg/kg and monitor response, but it doesnt sound like epilepsy.

Cheers, Claire