My boyfriend caerwiden pointed me this way because I've had a few ratties in my time and I've had my share of tumours to deal with. As has my brother. It is a very difficult decision, no matter how many times you deal with it. We were lucky with our vets, to some extent- Bay Veterinary Clinic- the ones near the Pointer roundabout in Lancaster- have always been very good at rat operations, as was the one I went to in Nottingham. The fact that the vet says they can operate is a good sign, I think.
I have had rats with tumours who I have had operated on. It is expensive, and it can be really worrying waiting for them to recover, but it can be worth it. They can return to normal healthy ratty life. But you will probably keep worrying that they might come back. I also had a rat with a tumour that the vet wouldn't operate on (partly because that rat had trouble with his breathing due to myco problems, the anaesthetic would have been a bad idea.) I have to admit that it was heartbreaking watching that lump get bigger until he couldn't move about properly any more. He eventually had to be put to sleep.
In the end you have to make a judgement. You know her- is she the fragile kind of rattie who might not cope with the operation, or the bouncy sort who can cope? Is she otherwise healthy?
From what you've said... I think with a fast growing tumour on an otherwise healthy rat I would choose to have the operation. It may grow back, yes... but if it's getting in her way then that affects her quality of life.
Whatever you choose to do, she's lucky to have an owner who cares enough to think so hard about the decision.
Thanks for the advice! I appreaciate it. She seems pretty healthy, but she is rather a chubby critter- it's mainly the location of the tumours that worries me- they feel quite firmly attached too. I'm going to Bay too, so I'm really glad to hear they;re good with rats.
I have had rats with tumours who I have had operated on. It is expensive, and it can be really worrying waiting for them to recover, but it can be worth it. They can return to normal healthy ratty life. But you will probably keep worrying that they might come back. I also had a rat with a tumour that the vet wouldn't operate on (partly because that rat had trouble with his breathing due to myco problems, the anaesthetic would have been a bad idea.) I have to admit that it was heartbreaking watching that lump get bigger until he couldn't move about properly any more. He eventually had to be put to sleep.
In the end you have to make a judgement. You know her- is she the fragile kind of rattie who might not cope with the operation, or the bouncy sort who can cope? Is she otherwise healthy?
From what you've said... I think with a fast growing tumour on an otherwise healthy rat I would choose to have the operation. It may grow back, yes... but if it's getting in her way then that affects her quality of life.
Whatever you choose to do, she's lucky to have an owner who cares enough to think so hard about the decision.
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