Pet Forum / Mammals / Rats / August 2005

Hope and love for all.

Lynn
kitty
About a week ago, Chase my 26 months old rat started showing signs of
pituitary tumor. This not something new to me, I have several rats that
went through this progressive illness. But then he started to develop
skin lesions. Two days ago he became very lethargic, I was sure he would
die that night. But I decided to syringe feed him some Ensure. It must
have helped because the next day he had more energy, not much, but
better than the night before. Today, I took him to the vet. My vet is
surprised at the amount of lesions on his back but also said his lungs
were done for. So Chase is on Zithromax and Baytril, hopefully it will
help him. She also gave him a shot of Ivomec. If he doesn't get better,
we might do a biopsy of the lesions. My sister had a rat that died of
skin cancer, I sure hope this isn't it because I'm sure that Prin
suffered tremendously with that awful disease.

Joanne
Owned by 16 rats

Joanne, I'm so sorry to hear about Chase.  How scary with those lesions!
Sometimes it's a strange thing, you think "this is it, they're not going to
make it through the night" and then there they are doing better the next
day.  I have experienced this many times with my mice.  It can be
frustrating because you want their suffering to be done, but you're torn
because you don't want to lose them, etc.  I never know which is worse - a
fast, unexpected end or a slow one.

It seems to me that your vet still thinks there's hope since he/she gave you
the meds and the shot.  I know usually if it's a good vet, they'll just let
you know if they think it's beyond hope, and that doesn't seem like the case
here.  It sounds like you're doing everything you can for him already.  I'm
hoping the lesions go away with the shot, and that Chase still has many
months of good living left.  He's getting great care (syringe feeding
Ensure - great idea) so he has a good shot!

Meghan

Scritches to Chase and Joanne -many ratty hugs and kisses coming your way.

Lisa

Thank you everyone... you guys are the best support group ever!!

Joanne
Owned by 16 rats

Sending lots of love and best wishes for Chase Joanne *hugs*

poor chase. i'm sorry he's in such a bad way.

i've found a lot of times that rats who are weakening or under the
weather will have a flare up of mites that cause them to get all
scabby from scratching, even if no other rats in the cage show signs.
i am of the opinion that most rats harbor skin mites but as long as
they have a healthy immune system, the mites are kept in check but
don't have any problem. it's when the rat is or becomes compromised
that we see problems with them, and then treating with ivermectin
usually helps.

scritches to chase and i hope the meds help his poor little rat lungs
to breathe easier.

--
ban stupid people not dogs.
http://shattering.org
x-no-archive: yes in headers

Thanks everyone for your comforting words, you guys are truly a great
support group.
Chase is not doing better... I'm really thinking about having him pts
tomorrow... it's such a hard decision. :(

Joanne
Owned by 16 rats

Chase had to be pts on Monday. It's been a hard time but I know this is
best for him, and he sure has a lot of company up there with him.
My sister sent me this... sure tugs at your heart.

Dear Mommy:

As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wondrous image then of a place that's trouble-free
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.

I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful -- lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!
My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.

I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.
'Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.

For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.
So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

Love Chase

Thanks for being there guys...
Joanne
Owned by 15 rats