May 2, 2001 - Initial exam. Fecal exam (negative).

May 9, 2001 - Neutered.

June 28, 2003 - Weight 24oz. (1.5lb.).

September 25, 2003 - Showing signs of weakening and discomfort in hind legs. Is typical for older male rats, especially those that are of a heavier weight, to develop arthritic or paralytic conditions of the hindquarters, so will observe.

October 8, 2003 - Began giving Osteo Biflex 1/4 tablet SID (50mg chondroitin/65.5mg glucosamine). Will contine this treatment for the rest of Rocky's life. As a side note, this treatment quickly gave Rocky increased strength and mobility for a couple months until other medical issues weakened him further. Still, mobility remained quite good even until the very end. Weight 23 oz. (1.44lb.).

November 1, 2003 - Weight 20 oz. (1.25lb.).

December 6, 2003 - Weight 17oz. (1.06lb.).

December 23, 2003 - Decline in weight and general weakness/lethargy. Vet diagnosed with a heart murmur and congestive heart failure. Began Metacam 0.1cc SID as therapy to continue for the rest of Rocky's life.

December 30, 2003 - Coenzyme Q10 16.7mg SID added to medications to support the heart and circulatory system. Also began adding flax seed to Rocky's daily diet as an anti-inflammatory agent and for immune support.

January 4, 2004 - Rocky experienced further weight loss and severe breathing problems brought on by a weakened heart. Enalapril (Enacard) 0.2mg SID added to medications to relieve his body of some of the work. As a side note, although Rocky did not live much longer, we attribute the ease in which he went largely to this medication.

January 13, 2004 - Weight 12.5oz. (0.78lb.).

January 17, 2004 - Passed away in daddy's arms while being petted and talked to. Died quietly and calmly in the end from respiratory distress and heart failure.