Poor Momma! Need advice on tumor...SAINT JOHN NB VETS???

[Jems71]

About 2 months ago (Jan 19/10) we suspect Momma (Altana)had a stroke...for 2-3days we were not sure if she would make it...immediately got her on some Prednizone, and hand fed her to get her strength back up...she was doing well after a few weeks...still a bit wobbly, and not as strong but managing to get up on the 2nd level and in and out of low hanging hammocks...eating and drinking well...But...

Well... she had a small tumor that we were going to have removed around the 1st of February, but because of the stroke and her weakened condition we decided to wait a while until she was stronger...its been a cpl months and still on the pred...doing well except the darned tumor has grown substantially! Its now causing her issues getting around and because of the stroke she already had some issues (weakness on one side).
She is on Pred and doing well...but my vet is not very familiar with rats and I am not so sure with my work projects the way they are for the next few months, if I can get time off to travel to Fredericton to have the surgery done...My heart is breaking for my poor girl...
We are in Saint John and I have looked through some posts but cannot find a Vet that has done tumor removals here...PLEASE if anyone can give references for a Saint John NB Vet that has done successful tumor removals...
Also has anyone had experience with a Rat that had Stroke then had to have surgery (while on Meds like Pred)
I am so scared she might not pull through a surgery...but she is pretty bright and alert and eating and drinking and trying so hard to get around I don't think its her time yet but...she is struggling and I am sure its making her tired and its getting worse every day...
She is about 20-21months old I think I think her birth day is in June maybe July. We adopted her from Twitch in Oct and she was about 16months then I think.

Thanks in advance for any advice you might have.

 

[Rachael]

Do you have any pictures of her with the tumour?
It's only your decision if you want to try the surgery or just nurse her until it's time, but if you think it could give her more time with you it might be worth going for it. How is her breathing?

 

[jorats]

This is really the hardest situation with females and tumours. I don't know if a vet would even attempt surgery on her due to her having a stroke in the past. Unless she passes a health check with flying colours.

Once, my Vincent was had a tumour. He was not doing well respiratory wise and he was over 2 years old. So I was certain he wouldn't out live the tumour. Sure enough, he's 37 months old, clear lungs, but 100% loss of hind end mobility with this huge tumour that is almost as big as he is.
I did the very hard decision to put him through surgery. I told my vet it's that or have him pts...so I decided to try it.
I'm so very happy that I did. He recovered so fast, was able to drag himself around better and gave him another 2 months of good quality living and that's all I wanted for him.
If he would have died on the table, I would have been sad but I would have known that I tried everything and for him, continuing to live with a huge tumour was no longer feasible.
It's a very personal decision, one that you need to be able to live with... you need to talk to a vet and get their thoughts on it too.

 

[Jems71]

I think I only would try the surgery if I had a Experienced exotic Rat Vet...As her breathing sounds good and doesn't appear labored except maybe for a min or two after she has managed to drag herself up to the 2nd level...
There are vets around here Saint John that say they are exotic vets but really don't know much...and a trip to Fredericton (Closest place with experienced rat vet) would require me to take a day off work which I cannot do for at least another month...maybe two...I am so torn...maybe a sick day is coming soon...I really do not think my vet would attempt it after the stroke...I am so sad....my heart is breaking...I know the vet in Fredericton I can trust to do what can be done...but here in Saint John I am not so sure...the one Vet that Twitch used has retired...my vet is great but not rat experienced...
I will sleep on it and maybe give a few calls around tomorrow...

 

[Godmother]

that's a tough dilemma. Also, the Prednisone (which seems to be necessary) would interfere with healing from surgery. I would be afraid to have surgery done under the circumstances, although perhaps it could be done if she were to go off the Pred for a few days.

Is there anyone who could give your ratty a ride up to the Fredericton vet?

 

[SQ]

I think I only would try the surgery if I had a Experienced exotic Rat Vet...

I don't think there are any trained exotic vets in NB and only one (or none) in NS.
We do, however, have several wonderful vets in NB that are very experienced in treating rats.
Hopefully someone knows of one in the Saint John area.

Is your vet sure that she still needs to be on the pred for the stroke?