Televets

• Home
• »
• Pet Questions
• »
• Rats
• »
• View Question

ill rat

dumbo

i have a dumbo rat who is about 1 and a half years old. over the last few weeks she has developed small lumps over her body, not like the fatty lumps my previous rats have got. she seemed a bit bloated so i took her to the vet on wednesday who said he could only find one growing lump and she should be fine for now. but since then she has deteriorated quite a bit her weight is hanging off her bones, she is more tired and weak. she is still interested in food even though she is struggling to eat more solid items and is still coming out of her cage. i dont want to just give up but having many pets before, i recognise the pattern and wonder if i should take her back to end her suffering.

Symptoms: Lethargy, Lumps And Swellings

• Experienced Advisor Rae says:

  January 26th, 2009 at 10:57 PM

  If she is deteriorating this quickly I would be concerned of a possible metastatic cancer. These little ones get sick and go downhill very quickly.

  Dehdyration is the main cause of death reguardless of the original cause of sickness. If you are able to check her hydration (lift her skin and see how quickly it returns to the body) I would do so. The longer it takes to return to her body the higher the chance that she is severely dehydrated and either needs more intensive medical care, or humane euthanasia.

  Good luck with your difficult decision. I hope this information has helped you.

  Current Rating:

  Rate This Answer:

  
  VCA Southern Maryland Veterinary Referral Center

  The internal medicine and emergency departments specializes in a variety of procedures including, but not limited to: ultrasound, endoscopy, CT scan, digital radiography, soft tissue surgeries, shock/trauma, wound repair and others.

  

• User says:

  January 27th, 2009 at 03:06 AM

  thankyou for a reply. i took her yesterday as it wasnt fair on her anymore.once they give up interest on food you know somethings wrong. the vet said she had a lump growing in her stomach probably obstructing way of food, making her feel full. there was no return im glad i made the right choice.

  Current Rating:

  Rate This Answer:
  

• Experienced Advisor Rae says:

  January 27th, 2009 at 08:03 PM

  I'm sorry you had to make this decision, but glad your little one is now at peace.

  Current Rating:

  Rate This Answer:

  
  VCA Southern Maryland Veterinary Referral Center

  The internal medicine and emergency departments specializes in a variety of procedures including, but not limited to: ultrasound, endoscopy, CT scan, digital radiography, soft tissue surgeries, shock/trauma, wound repair and others.

  

• Gills suggests:

  September 19th, 2009 at 09:55 PM

  I would give her a few more days and talk to more people, such as trainers or vets. When you think she is in too much pain and you know she can't handle it anymore, you should put her down. I hope you won't have to. hang in there. from Gills and my friend

  Current Rating:

  Rate This Suggestion: