This week I am working much more than usual! The kids are back in school full swing and starting fall activities. Russ’ company (J.T. Builder’s, where he is a carpenter) is closing tomorrow, but he already has some leads on new career opportunities. God always takes care of us. I don’t suppose He will drop us now. I love my crazy, busy life, but it is taking all of my writing time!
Also, I have been providing supportive care for Fuzzy Rat, who has been very sick. Last week, she was so wobbly she could not walk or even hold food. I have been bugging all of my poor veterinarian friends to help me come up with a differential diagnosis list that does not include “brain” or “cancer!”
She is on antibiotics and antiinflammatories, and responding well. She even started walking yesterday!
Still could be bad, but I am hoping she is either dealing with a severe inner ear infection or idiopathic vestibular disease. Idiopathic means “unknown cause” (same base word as “idiot” – ha!) The vestibular system deals with balance. Idiopathic Vestibular Disease is fairly common in dogs, so it would not be unheard of to occur in rats, though I have never dealt with it before. It is basically a diagnosis of exclusion – if it is not something else, it may be Idiopathic Vestibular Disease. In dogs, it has a good chance of resolution, so here’s hoping for Old Ratty Vestibular Disease! I would never wish an ear infection on anyone, but I would be ok with that diagnosis too!
Get Well Really Soon Small Rat!