He stayed on this medication the rest of his life. Lastly, just knowing this is a possibility will help you catch any infection early. Be on the lookout for foul smelling or bloody urine. Sadly, Merlin did not survive his bladder infection. Despite aggressive antibiotic therapy, we could not clear up the infection.
Skin breakdown is also a big consideration.
A paralyzed rat cannot as easily move himself out of his own urine and feces. Continual exposure to the urine, along with the pressures of being in one place, can lead to pressure ulcers, otherwise known in human lingo as bedsores. The most important thing to do is wash the rat off several times a day with gentle soap and water. Lancelot actually seemed to like this, but I found that it was not enough, since I was gone during the day for more than eight to nine hours. When I arrived home, Lancelot's skin would be red and irritated.