Need your opinions on an elderly rat

[lindsayfawn]

I need some help in trying to decide what to do with Emily. She is our oldest girl at over 2 and a half yrs old. She'll be 3 sometime in June I think. Her tumor came back in the same spot we had one removed about a year ago now. THere was no way she could go through another surgery because of her age and it didn't seem to bother her.

Now however it has grown fast and large. I would say it has to be the size of a golf ball or a little smaller. The thing is that she has started with HED at the same time. She's still getting around ok and doesn't seem to be in any pain. But she can not move her feet to scratch her face or anywhere else for that matter.

She was a big girl and has lost a lot of weight but isn't underweight yet. If She didn't have these issues she would still be bouncing and bossing everyone around as she is the Alpha. She still shows everyone she is boss.

My question is when do you say when? She is still going but I can tell that she's getting frustrated with her body. I'm really worried about her tumor poping. We went through that with Raina. Or well Ang did, she was home with her when it poped and I was driving on the 401 in heavy traffic in Ontario when she called me :doh:

So suggestions as to what we can do for her to make her more comfortable? I really don't want to put her down because she's still going good...but the thought of her tumor bursting is nagging at my mind

What should we do?

edit: I just realized I put this in behaviour for some reason lol guess I'm tired. Can you move it to the health part? lol thanks!

 

[Moon]

Moved it for you

I am going through a similar situation.

Maeby is almost 31 months old, and is currently growing her fourth tumour. Yes, fourth On the same side of her body she has a large mammary tumour and a large inguinal tumour beside her anus and in the joint of her back leg.... they are both very large and easily larger than golf balls. On the other side of her body she has another matching pair, which are considerably smaller. She's been in good shape up until about two days ago when I noticed the fourth lump starting, and she's dropped a lot of weight.

The odd thing is, this hardly impedes her movement. She insists on getting into the highest hammock of the FN, even though I give her lots of elderly-friendly snuggle spots. She's not exactly spry but she's having no trouble getting around. She's bright and friendly but certainly sleeps more than she used to. She still loves her food.

I guess I don't have any advice, but I'm certainly in a similar boat. It's hard, very hard. But if she's still happy, and still telling everyone else what's what... well, she's not ready. Maeby may be harder to wake up when she's napping but she's still first to the door when she hears me coming. You'll know when to help her cross. (And I think tumours bursting are pretty rare, so try not to worry about that too much)

 

[dubchick]

thats good to know about the tumor popping being rare..... it was really hard for me to deal with alone... but i think it bothers linds more that she was away at the time.
ya.. we can tell em is very frustrated with her body.. but she tries not to let it stop her... shes just as bossy as ever :roll: just takes her longer to "chase" the newbie around.. well ive noticed now shes taken to sneaking up behind them to tell em shes boss that way she doesnt have to worry about "chasing" after them as often :roll: ... she does rely on her upper arms to get around, and it sometimes makes me nervous that she will sometimes try to get into places that i wish she wouldnt. but thats our emily :roll: stubborn... but we love her to bits. we just hate seeing her frustrated with her body.

 

[crumbilina]

I went through this with my (old but still darling) cat this summer. The only advice that I can give you is that you will know when it is time. I know that sounds really wierd, but when you really care for your animals you just know. When it reaches the point where she is not herself, and cannot be herself, then you will know. And the decision will feel wrong but right all at the same time.

Sorry, this seems obscure. Its more of a gut feeling for me, I'm not sure if others feel the same way...
Its sortof confounding but I hope it helps. The decision is always a tough one. I have never had to make that decision for a rattie, but I have for a few other animals, and it doesnt get easier, no matter what the creature is.

 

[Maple]

These little critters have a way of letting us know when it is time. Follow your gut feelings and everything will fall into place.

 

[lilspaz68]

I agree with Moon, tumour's rupturing is pretty rare. As for general well-being with a rat with HED, you will have to help her groom and clean herself, rub those itchy ears, etc. This can be a real bonding opportunity for you and your girl. :mrgreen: Monkey lets me support her so she can groom herself, my hand behind her back to give her balance. If her fur gets a little unkempt, just take a lightly damp wash cloth and give her a gentle wipe down. Make sure all her nether bits keep clean as she won't be able to take care of them either. And rub those ears!!! :cheeky:

 

[lindsayfawn]

yeah I had to help her with her ears the other day. She's a proud kid though you try and help her and she'll literally push your hand away with her hands lol She's not much of a cuddler either though sometimes when she is in the mood to cuddle she loves it and with bruxx and boggle like mad. She's a funny girl that Emily.

To put a face to the name

The babies love their Emily.

Edit: I just thought of something. She's still in the FN and does still go up the stairs and climbs up into hammocks 'n what not. Should she be in a level cage? I don't think she would be happy with not being with everyone to keep things her way lol

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

awww :heart:

 

[ryelle]

omg that pic is so cute!! seen all those smiles!

 

[crumbilina]

awwwww she looks so happy with all those little ones!!!!!