Update- Aurora went in for her surgery- She's home!

KatTheHippie · Jul 8, 2012

Well, the big day is coming up and I'm getting kinda nervous.. Aurora goes in to get the lump in her armpit removed on the tenth. I trust my vet with all my heart, she's awesome with my rats, but I've never had a rat go through surgery before.. So I have a few questions.

How long should I wait before putting her back in with Alice, Harlow and Dorian? Should I put her back right after, or wait until she's fully healed? If I have to keep her separated, should I still let them all have out times together, or will I have to re-intro her? Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks, guys.

hopefloats · Jul 8, 2012

We all get nervous before a surgery it is inevitable. As far as her recoup time and alone time it is going to depend on her. I have had some rats that dont need a single bit of down time past the first day. Some I get out 2 to 3 days depending on the group. The first night I always keep them away from the group. I would keep her out the first night for sure. I like to have them in a smaller cage so i can watch them better. You will know the rest when you see how she doing. I also keep baby food and ensure on hand. I give them ensure as soon as i get them home but they may not be likely to drink it for a while so keep trying.

jorats · Jul 8, 2012

Like hopefloats mentioned, it all depends on the rat. She'll tell you how she feels and if she's ok with buddies. You could let them have out time together while she's recovering.

KatTheHippie · Jul 8, 2012

oh goodness, thank you so much. I was so nervous that I'd have to keep her away from the girls for longer than a few days and end up redoing intro's. I'll see how she's doing after the first night, and make sure they still get playtimes together until I'm sure she's ready to go back. And I'll be sure to grab some ensure, thanks for the tip!

SQ · Jul 8, 2012

It depends on the rat but they are usually happier and feel better if back in with their friends.

I always put mine back in with their friends once they are no longer groggy... usually a few hours after surgery.
Rats can not regulate their body temperature for 12 to 24 hours after surgery so make sure she does not get too hot or cold. If you put a heat or cooling source in the cage with her, make sure it is wrapped in fleece and that she can move away from it.
Your vet should give her an injection of pain meds after surgery that will be good for 24 hours.
You should be given oral pain meds (medacam) to start giving her once the injection wears off.

Here is a link you may find helpful: http://ratfanclub.org/surgery.html

mamarat · Jul 9, 2012

Fingers crossed for your sweetie!

KatTheHippie · Jul 9, 2012

Thank you guys all so much.. I'm still pretty nervous but I feel like I'm as prepared as I could possibly be, so now all I have to do is wait.

KatTheHippie · Jul 10, 2012

Well, I dropped her off around eight thismorning in a fleece-lined hamster cage, with an extra layer to hide under, and a baggie of Harlan to feed her when she's out. I'm just waiting for the call that I can go get her now..

eagle · Jul 10, 2012

Good luck and sending healing vibes

hopefloats · Jul 10, 2012

Good luck....Hopefully you can get her fast so it is less time to worry.

mamarat · Jul 10, 2012

Good luck to your sweetie.

Joanne · Jul 10, 2012

Good luck with Aurora! We will be thinking of her...

KatTheHippie · Jul 10, 2012

Aurora's home! :joy: The doctor told me she did spectacularly, and the incision is nice and clean. She's got a few dissolvable stitches that he said will be gone in about ten days. She ate some, I gave them a baggie of Harlan for after her surgery, and when she got home she had a bit of water and a little ensure.. surgery hasn't seemed to slow her down at all :dance: My doctor told me that he'd call me in a few days with the results of the biopsy. Hopefully it's good news.