Prognosis...

[naughtybat]

I'm back. The vet took a sample from Azrael's abcess with a needle, and it bled everywhere. She said it felt like fluid, and had expected pus, etc., not blood. She couldn't tell me what exactly it was, but suggested a blood vessel may have burst, and the fluid was trapped. Or that an infection may have set in from a bite from his brother. She did say it wasn't internal, so it won't hinder his breathing at all. I was worried about that. She did not think antibiotics alone would make a difference at this point. She recommended I take him to the Animal Hospital of High Park, since they specialize in "exotics". I would be looking at having him knocked out, having the abcess lanced and drained, and then likely put on antibiotics. The vet said that he may not survive the anaesthetic, though, as rats' immune systems are easily compromised when they have an injury or infection, and they go downhill fast. I'll have to call the High Park vet and get some quotes on what all this will cost. I was told I could make a payment plan, since I'm on disability. Poor Azrael!  :(
Since she couldn't really help me, she charged me $40 instead of $60, so that was nice of her. The regular vet that helped Jay with his rats so often was on vacation until the 12th, so I saw someone else. Frustrating.

Over and out for now.

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