Melanoma?- Surgery went well!

[Joanne]

No one can tell you putting a rat under anaesthetic is risk-free. I guess you weigh the pros and cons and know that you are making the decision in her best interest, no matter what the outcome.
I looked up melanoma in the Rat Guide:
http://ratguide.com/health/neoplasia/melanoma.php

 

[RattusNorvegicus]

Lu is scheduled for a removal on Monday. Today she had a gasping fit, and when this happens it sounds like her nose just completely plugs up. I wish she'd learn to breathe through her mouth like a few other of my rats. I at least hope that her nose plugs up and nothing more serious is going on. (This has been happening since December.) Benadryl works sometimes, and sometimes doesn't. I'd like to put her on an antibiotic as a precaution, but not sure I should?

 

[Joanne]

I can't see how putting her on an antibiotic can have any negative effect on her surgery. I probably would - do you have any Baytril? As far as I understand, that is the drug of choice for respiratory problems in rats. (One of those 'it can't hurt, and will probably help' things...)

 

[RattusNorvegicus]

I just got back from picking up Luma. She is doing great! I think my vet did a great job removing it.

[spoil:19zhkw75]

and her lump

[/spoil:19zhkw75]
I am glad the hardest part is over.

 

[temblabamomo]

Glad she pulled through and is doing well. Sending lotsa healing vibes her way!

 

[Joanne]

Good job! The surgery is definitely the most stressful, for us as well as them. I hope she heals up quickly. At least the incision's in a spot not easily gotten to, so hopefully she won't pick at it too much.

 

[mamarat]

Sending lots of healing vibes.

 

[jorats]

Oh wow, you got to keep the lump?
Sending healing vibes!!

 

[RattusNorvegicus]

Oh wow, you got to keep the lump?
Sending healing vibes!!

Yep! I think you just have to ask or let them know. I was going to keep Owl's uterus after her spay but my mom convinced me I couldn't. When I took her to get her staples out, I asked to keep her staples and mentioned I wanted to keep her uterus too, and she said I could've! I was disappointed. But now I know, and will keep every part of my rats. If your vet doesn't provide formalin, rubbing alcohol (%70 isopropyl) works well.

Thank you everyone! She is doing a great job leaving it alone.

 

[ChrisK]

I'm so glad to hear that surgery went well and she's doing well. Sending lots of healing vibes! :hugs: