Lump? EDIT: She's gone...

[Willk24]

So to start on a positive note, the vet that I saw was phenomenal. She has a love for rats and is really knowledgeable about them.

She was pretty concerned about Lulu's condition when she came in. She doesn't think it's anything to do with dental, as the swelling is now on both sides of her face and all around her head. She believes it's an infection of some sort and gave her an antibiotic injection that is good for 24 hours. However, she said the next 12 will be the most crucial, but hopefully I should start seeing improvement within 6 to 8 hours. I'm supposed to call her back around 1:00 or 2:00 today to tell her how she's doing and we'll go from there. She also gave her a fluid injection since she's pretty dehydrated.

She also said if Lulu had been older, she would've suggested euthanasia. But since she's not even a year old yet, she believes there's still a good chance for her to recover.

I really want to keep her with me, but I think it's better if she's with Yuna in a more familiar environment (their cage).

*sigh* I hope my sweet one will pull through. :sad3:

 

[Joanne]

Oh I'm so glad to hear you got in to see someone today!!! I'm sending healing vibes to Lulu - I hope she pulls through. Hang in there. We all know how you're feeling... :hugs:

 

[lilspaz68]

I am praying for you and Lulu, but it looks very serious. Was she given an anti-inflammatory or pain meds as well as the ab injection? If not can you get infant advil?

 

[Willk24]

My baby is gone.

I don't know what to do...

I can't stop sobbing.

 

[lizmo1221]

I am so sorry :sad3:

Hugs to you and Yuna.

 

[temblabamomo]

Oh dear. I'm so sorry :hugs: Play hard at the bridge, little one.

 

[hopefloats]

I am so sorry you lost her~ Hugs!!!!

 

[lilspaz68]

I am so very sorry...your baby was very unwell, just be glad it was quick and she's not suffering anymore ((hugs))

 

[Kimber]

So sorry your little girl is gone

 

[mamarat]

I am so sorry. RIP little one.

 

[Willk24]

Thanks for your support, everyone. I'm a lot more composed now...but I still don't know what to do about a few things.

I have no idea what to do with Lulu's body. Burial isn't an option, as I rent. I can't bear the thought of just tossing her in the dumpster, even if I made her a nice makeshift coffin or something. It just seems so degrading. I don't know if my vet will take her, or if she will, how they would dispose of her.

And then there's Yuna. She hardly seems affected by this. Maybe they already said their goodbyes after I got them home from the vet and left them in their cage for awhile. But I don't know if I should get her another cagemate. I don't want one so soon myself personally, because I'd feel like I'm just trying to replace Lulu. At the same time, I don't want to wait too long and risk the option of Yuna being depressed. I know rats do much better in pairs/groups than by themselves, but is just having her fly solo a feasible option? The more I think on that, the more I think it isn't, but I don't know for sure.

I didn't think it would hit me this hard.

 

[lilspaz68]

A lot of us wrap our babies up nicely, and then put them in the freezer until we can get somewhere to bury them. I had to throw out one rat girl's body once, but was haunted by it for years.

 

[temblabamomo]

Almost all vets offer cremation services these days, often with an option of whether or not you would like the ashes returned. Do you have any nearby family who'd be willing to let you bury her on their property?

 

[hopefloats]

I think I would grieve for a few days or until you are ready to accept another one in. Then I would get another. She will need a buddy she is pretty young isnt she?

You could ask the vet about how they do it, cremation is an option too. or if you could find some nice woods somewhere that you could bury her at.

 

[jennifervb]

My baby is gone.

I don't know what to do...

I can't stop sobbing.

OMG, what happened??? :shock: :tearful:

 

[jennifervb]

Thanks for your support, everyone. I'm a lot more composed now...but I still don't know what to do about a few things.

I have no idea what to do with Lulu's body. Burial isn't an option, as I rent. I can't bear the thought of just tossing her in the dumpster, even if I made her a nice makeshift coffin or something. It just seems so degrading. I don't know if my vet will take her, or if she will, how they would dispose of her.

And then there's Yuna. She hardly seems affected by this. Maybe they already said their goodbyes after I got them home from the vet and left them in their cage for awhile. But I don't know if I should get her another cagemate. I don't want one so soon myself personally, because I'd feel like I'm just trying to replace Lulu. At the same time, I don't want to wait too long and risk the option of Yuna being depressed. I know rats do much better in pairs/groups than by themselves, but is just having her fly solo a feasible option? The more I think on that, the more I think it isn't, but I don't know for sure.

I didn't think it would hit me this hard.

If you can't find a vet who will help (unfathomable but possible) try contacting the following company in Iowa:

http://www.petmemoriesiowa.com/

They may be able to help you and their cremation for small animals is $40.

Hang in there sweetie. Your girl is in a wonderful place and has your picture with her. :love6:

 

[Willk24]

I took her body back to the vet. They are going to do a general cremation for her, with some other pets and whatnot. They didn't charge me for it because she is so small. To have done an individual cremation would've been at least $100, and I don't have that kind of money for final expenses. It's the best option for her, I think.

It was so hard coming back home without her, though. I mean, I know her body isn't actually her. But I'm sure you guys understand what I'm saying.

My head is splitting from crying so much. I think it's time to take some Advil and lay down for awhile. Thanks to everyone for all of your kindness and support. It means so much to me.

 

[kscanuck785]

sorry for your loss
and I want to apologize, I saw you briefly in chat this morning but I was busy doing something else and did not have the chance to talk to you after you said you "had just came back from the vet"
again, I apologize for not being there when you need a fellow rat lover to comfort you.

 

[Moon]

I'm so sorry, what a sad story. At least you've found a decent vet for the future

 

[Sharlees rattakisses]

As many ratty lovers here know the pain of losing them never gets any easier.
I am SO sorry for your loss. :hugs:
Think of all the good times and the love you gave to each other.
She was one lucky little girl!! :heart: