Signs of Morbidity (disease / illness) in Rodents: 

• Rapid breathing rate

• Breathing rate very slow, shallow, and labored

• Rapid weight loss

• Ruffled fur (rough hair coat)

• Hunched posture

• Hypothermia or hyperthermia

• Ulcerative dermatitis or infected tumors

• Inappetance

• Diarrhea or constipation
  

Judging Humane Endpoints for the Moribund Condition (state of dying) in Rodents:

Signs for morbidity plus any / all of the following:

• Impaired ambulation (unable to reach food or water easily

• Evidence of muscle atrophy or other signs of emaciation (body weight is not always proportionate)

• Any obvious prolonged illness such signs as lethargy (drowsiness, aversion to activity)

• Lack of physical or mental alertness

• Prolonged inappetance

• Bleeding,

• Difficulty breathing

• Central nervous system disturbances

• Chronic diarrhea or constipation

Inability to remain upright