Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs in rats of all ages, however the chronic condition as opposed to sudden attacks tends to occur more in old age.  It can be caused by other illnesses butting strain on the heart (particularly respiratory) or the gradual ageing and toughening of the heart muscle and is far more common in rats that have been overweight for a portion of their lives.  Heart failure symptoms can often mimic those of respiratory trouble and/or kidney failure, they are typically as follows

• Lethargy and lack of energy generally, particularly when a rat will be very active for a short period of time followed by periods of unusually extended rest. The active periods can verge on the distressed or frantic
• Sleeping more than usual.
• Rats begin to show a tendency to lie flat out with their head hanging over the shelf/hammock edge (this makes it easier for them to breath)
• The abdomen or chest feeling bloated or larger/firmer than normal (indicates fluid retention and is a late sign)
• A steady loss of weight followed by a sudden unexpected gain (indicates fluid retention and is a late sign)
• Blue tinged or unusually cold extremities (not always obvious and often a late onset sign, note don’t panic if your rats have been running on a cold surface and have cold feet/tail)
• Heavy breathing, particularly with a dry cough or deeper chesty noises

Specific Dietary Assistance – Heart Failure

• Low salt diet
• Omega-3 oils (flax, linseed, hemp, mixed omega oils)
• Co-Enzyme q10
• Taurine