Pet Forum / Mammals / Rats / May 2006

I would be like you PTS not an option I would say if he alert not too
overweight and he is in high spirits  GO FOR IT. At least you can see how he
is and how he copes and then you can make the decision after the op.

Hi!
My mom's rat Sven also had a malignant growth on his back leg. Sven had
his amputation done at 24 months of age. He recovered amazingly well and
lived to be 33 months.
If your rat is healthy, I say go for it. They learn to adapt so well,
I'm sure he will be able to do just about everything he used to do. Sven
even remained alpha in a multi-level cage.
Keep us posted!

Are they certain it's cancerous? I've heard of a kind of growth that
rats may get on a foot due to a bacterial infection. It's called
"bumblefoot", I think.

- NRen2k5

Hi all,

Thanks for the responses.

A sample was send for analysis can came back as cancerous. We though it was
bumblefoot to start with but it would appear not.

We are hoping to get Sirius seen tomorrow (as long as the only vet at the
practice how is anyway near good is there)

Are going to discuss using Mycoplex Coriolus as an alternative to an
amputation - worth a try in my opinion, obviously we will be keeping a close
eye on the growth and if it starts to get bigger we will discuss the surgery
option at that point in time.

Again another quick question. Has anybody had success with alternative
medicines like this with their rats.

Again thanks for the advice.

Paul

Sorry I have not updated for a while.

Sirius had his foot removed about 2 weeks ago. Despite the vet (and us)
having concerns about him being able to feed himself she agreed to remove
the foot or leg.

Luckily she was able remove at the wrist and save the leg.  He has healed
nicely and did not get an infection.  Lest than 8 hours after surgery he was
jumping of the settee (couch?) and hobbling around on the floor to his fav
corner.

This was on the Friday. Saturday he ran up the stairs (and partly down
again) and along the landing to his bedroom. He is now able to climb the
parrot ladder into his cage (return to main cage & being the Alfa after
7days) he does not come down the ladder but will now walk of his shelf onto
a hand.

He has adapted to using the stump - just above the wrist - and his good hand
to hold food and is feeding himself with no problems.

He is still as mischievous as he ever was and is only V slightly slower than
he was before. Even though he does not use the leg / stump for running.

It has really given him a new lease of life and well worth every penny of
the £150 that the operation cost (worth more)

In fact if you didn't know he had 3 legs you probably wouldn't notice it.

So if any of your rats ever have to lose a front paw then they should adapt
very quickly and easily

regards
Paul