Boo hoo :o(

[littleheaven]

I have just made an appointment at the vet to get one of my pet rats put down. Poor Sarah, she has what I believe to be a pituitary tumour, she is showing all the classic symptoms - loss of front paw co-ordination, front legs sticking out like ram-rods. She can barely feed herself, and has lost 140 grams in the last couple of weeks. Her fur is all thin, her skin covered in sores, and she can't breathe properly. Her eyes and nose are running. I could probably put her on steroids and anti-inflammatories, but it will only prolong her suffering, poor baby. She is the last of my 4 older girls. I have lost them all this year, and grumpy old Timmy. I don't know if I will continue to keep rats anymore, after the other six have gone. It's too painful. They live such a short time for an animal with so much personality.

Comments

[mistress-mab.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear this, Claire. She's in my thoughts and prayers.

[littleheaven70.livejournal.com]

Thanks Katy.

We've decided to give her one more chance, the vet was very keen to try some strong meds. I figure, she's not in any serious distress, so it's worth a try. I'll know in a couple of days. I doubt it will work, but at least then I won't always wonder what would have happened. Whenever I pick her up and cuddle her she bruxes - which is the rat version of purring - she shucks her teeth together, making a noise like a tiny little steam train, and her eyes pop in and out really fast. It sounds weird, and looks weirder, but that's what they do! And she wouldn't do it if she was suffering.