Unable to Groom

[ClaireMary]

Hello Everyone!

Ella's stubborn outer ear infection turned into a chronic respiratory infection. :mouse1np1: I think at one point she did have an outer ear infection as well, but maybe it was a sign of the chronic resp. infection. Anyway, she is also now bleeding from the uterus, has three mammary tumours, AND is dragging her back right leg (perhaps from complications form her first surgery, though it has definitely gotten worse). When we first rescued her, we had 2 largeish mammary tumours removed and she did okay. But because she is sick with the resp. infection, and whatever is causing uteral bleeding (another tumour that isn't benign?), the vet has advised us not to get the tumours removed. Our vet seems to think she hasn't got much time left, and that not much can be done with this bleeding (it's spotting).

So the tumours are growing. Her largest one is in her front left armpit, and I am worried that it has inhibited her ability to groom. I suspect that this will make her a very unhappy rat. She can and does still eat and drink fine- she is largely dependent on her right front arm for this. Can anyone offer suggestions regarding how to help her groom, or what the best method of grooming a rat is?

Thank you!! :ratwave:

 

[Rachael]

You could use an old toothbrush, and put it in a little water, and brush her fur a bit with that. I just use kitchen roll to wash their ways and gently wash their tails. I can't type a lot right now will post more to you later, so sorry to heart this.

 

[Godmother]

Poor sweetheart! Bleeding from the uterus is a bad sign. There are several possible causes, of which I know about only two. You might want to check out the on line Rat Health Guide and the sticky posts under Health.

Is she on antibiotics?

Looks like you will have to help her with grooming in the ways that Rachael has suggested. Does she have cagemates that would groom her ears for her? Otherwise you'll have to do that for her also, gently with a moistened Q-tip. Some rats can do more grooming for themselves if they are propped up against you.

 

[lilspaz68]

I will assume that she started the vaginal bleeding while on antibiotics for her URI?

I use a damp cloth to wipe rats that need a bit of help grooming. Usually makes them feel better. Rub ears...

 

[jorats]

That's one of the hardest things to do is watch your sweetie out live the tumours.
You could also try baby wipes.