05/16/2025
What is “failure to thrive”?
FTT is a condition in which a rat, for some congenital reason, is not developing at the normal rate. They may be eating just fine and have full bellies, but their bodies are not absorbing nutrients. Eventually they waste away and pass.
My dwarf litter of 8 was reduced by 3 yesterday. I have never seen FTT in my lines, so although very sad it is fascinating. These pups were humanely euthanized to prevent any further suffering.
This is the reality of being a responsible breeder. Knowing when to end suffering and when to give more time.
Here is a comparison between the 3 FTT babies and their sibling from the same litter.
