Post-op neuter questions.

[paprika]

First off, long time readers and lurkers, first time posters.


We just got our two boys neutured today.
We read and researched a lot before we had this done as well as spoke to several vets in our area (Vancouver, BC) to find the best one.
For reference, we used a vet in Coquitlam who claim to work with a local small animal rescue and was very experienced in speutering rats.
We took them in at 10am and we just got them back home (at around 5pm).

After not even having a word with the actual vet at the hospital, we came back to pick them up to find out they used staples. We found this a bit excessive for small animals (being owners of other small animals).
We didnt think to ask beforehand (not that we were given the chance since we didnt say a word to the actual vet when we dropped them off and the girl on the phone/at the desk didnt know), but we had assumed that given they work with an animal rescue and were, supposedly, experienced they would know the most effective method for neuters.
We have read that post-op, rats might exhibit PICA behaviour and chew on everything, including the staples, due to the meds used. We've had them in their freshly cleaned cage for about an hour now and, although theyre slow and groggy and thankfully asleep now, they were beginning to show interest in their staples when they were up and about.

We were not given any pain medication for them. They stated that it wasnt necessary and just keep an eye on them and come back if they seemed like they needed some.
We were only given Amoxicillin to administer twice a day.

Questions:

1. Thoughts on the fact that they used staples and didn't give us a pain medication? Should I go back for some or wait and see if they are truly uncomfortable with them.

2. Is there anything we can do to prevent them from going at their staples if they start to? Other than watching them like a hawk which I have been doing.

3. Should we be feeding them right away now that theyre home even though they havent pooped yet? The vet told us that it was ok to feed them right away, so we have given them pureed pumpkin (a fav of theirs) and we have baby food.

Any and all feedback, experience and info is greatly appreciated.

 

[victoria]

1) I wouldn't be impressed if my vet used staples or didn't give pain meds. If you can get out to the drugstore, pick up some infant Advil so you can give them some.

2) Other than watching them, managing pain will help keep them away from the staples. It may not be enough though. If they pick at them, you may want to try to get a cone for them in the morning.

3) Feeding them before they poop is fine. I had a rat that didn't start pooing for almost 48 hours post op (extreme case, it was a very invasive surgery) and I fed her the whole time to keep her energy up.

 

[jorats]

Oh boy. This vet has some learning to do.

Staples are not good. Rats will surely try to rid themselves of them, especially with no pain meds. If you think you can get it out of them I'd ask for metacam.
There really is nothing you can do to prevent them. If the rats are determined, forget about it.
Yes, feed them immediately. Hopefully, you were not told to fast them. I'd feed them whatever they like.

 

[paprika]

Thanks for the suggestion for infant Advil. We inquired about pain meds as mentioned. We were told they weren't necessary as the ones they gave them would last 24 hours and that would be enough. Might try the infant Advil route before going back for Metacam. What dose of Advil should I administer?

We kinda figure that watching them isnt going to prevent them from going at them (or be realistic and feasible), however I have read that, regarding cones, they are hard to apply, easy for them to escape from, and can cause them stress and suffer from mild depression due to the fact that they cant properly groom or feed themselves.
As of right now, they aren't actively trying to pull them out, but they are definitely interested in the area and they seem to be grooming/cleaning them. Is that normal or to be expected or will it just lead to them pulling them out? We fear the latter.

We did feed them right up to surgery and then immediately afterward as per our vets recommendations (and what we had read). We would have greatly questioned their competency if they told us to fast them...

 

[victoria]

http://ratguide.com/meds/nsaids/ibuprofen.php

The dose is 10-30 mg/kg. I usually start at 15mg/kg and increase if necessary.

Cones suck but they are very useful in situations like this. One of my rats had to have one put on and she was miserable but she could not get it off. Exotic vets usually have ones made for birds that fit very well.

 

[Fidget]

Ratties are real good at handling pain, but OF COURSE they feel it, who wouldn't after that, they just try not to show it... I think sometimes Dr's neglect pain meds for them either because they think that species can handle anything.. or they just operated on rats too many times in vet school without bothering :redhot:
Ratties will survive without the pain meds - quality of the surgery is the biggest concern in the long run. But I wouldn't want my kids hurting either.
You could phone the vet and ask for pain meds tomorrow.. ask what he's prescribing and check here to see if it's good with people with experience (omg, I'm suggesting a website over a doctor). You do have a right to ask for pain meds from the doctor.
I hope your boys heal up with no complications! If so then kudos to the vet.
For every rattie caretaker seeing this - there is a huge difference between a good vet and a good RATTIE vet.