Rat virus?

Ok, so i have four rats that all live in a large cage together. Early tonight, my oldest rat started showing intense lethargy, labored breathing, and hunched posture. She has a tumor and is very old so we thought it was just old age. However, just a few hours later, my other middle aged rat started showing the same symptoms. When i take the two out they just want to lay down and sleep. They can barely walk, have poor balance, and can barely open their eyes. I went online and read about a virus called Sendai virus, and i was wondering if that could be it.

I have separated my two healthy rats and put them in a different cage downstairs. I'm really worried that they might catch it too, and i dont think i can handle loosing all four! What do you think is happening to them, why do you think it's happening, and what do you think i should do?

There are several diseases that have similar symptoms to what you are describing. It might be a simply mycoplasma infection or an upper or lower respiratory infection.

It could also be Sendai or SDA. These viruses can come home on your clothes or in your hair if you have been somewhere else that has a large rat population, such as a pet shop. These diseases are the reason there aren't many pet rat shows in the USA any more. No one wants to expose their babies. Both PetSmart and Petco rats have tested positive for these diseases in the last two years.

The rapid onset is what surprises me. Most of the time these disease get worse over the period of a few days.

You really should take your rats in to the vet as soon as you can to see what the problem is. You need to find a vet who really knows a lot about exotics. The might want to do an ELIZA test on one of your babies.

If you discover that your sickly rats have a disease, your healthy ones probably have it too, but you might consider finding them at a temporary home with no other rats just in case you can keep them from getting sick.

Treatments for these illnesses varies, but usually includes an aggressive round of antibiotics and supportive care, like fluids and liquid food.

Check these out:
http://www.rmca.org/Articles/sda.htm
http://www.hiiret.fi/eng/mice/health6.ht...

yeah i think take it to the vet. i don't think it could be from the tumour my rat has tumour and she is in excellent condition she is still very playful. i did have 8 rats and i now have one they died from different viruses and also i think from the cold. they do get pneumonia that is very popular in rats.

I know it sounds silly to take your rats to the vet, but take them! Take them first thing tom. morning. They will be able to help you, they will be able to make the rats better again by giving them meds.

Take the sick rats to the vet and ask for treatment and advice.

...I don't know what else you think there is to do.

GO TO THE VET QUICKLY!!!!