Pet Forum / Mammals / Rats / July 2005

I have been looking for a sitter to watch my rat Monkey when I go on
vacation, this was about two weeks ago. Well, since that time, he has
gotten rather worse.  I know he can hold out for a month longer maybe
two. I just don't know if I want that quality of life for him.  I just
found 2 lumps on him today.  A big one, marble sized on his chest, and
a small little one (like the tip of a pen)on the edge of his eye by his
eyelid.

I had his brother Chunky put to sleep in February, and I know I waited
too long because I didn't want to let go.  When I took his brother
Chunky to be put to sleep, he had already lost use of everything.  He
couldn't eat, walk, or lift his head.  His body would go limp in my
hand.

Monkey isn't at that point yet.  He has lost use of his hindlegs but
can still eat.  He has problems with penis plugs though, which I remove
daily.  I also wash his lower body daily.

I'm just at odds on what to do.  We go on vacation in about 2 weeks.  I
can't find anyone to give him the care that I provide (i.e. removing
plugs, cleaning cage changing bedding daily, washing him - all daily).
In 5 days, I think he could suffer a lot more if the only care he gets
is food.  He's a little old man (2 1/2 yo) that needs a lot of care and
attention.

I think the big lump is an abscess because it moves around on his chest
and hes had an abscess under his chin before, but the eye one seems
more dangerous.  But here's another one of my dilemmas, if I have the
big abcess removed now, I fear it might get infected since I'm going to
vacation so soon and won't be able to watch him daily. And if its not
removed, and I wait until I get back, he might be in worse shape.

I just wish I didn't have to make this decision and so soon.   Why do
the little ones always hurt most on the heart?

Lili