[dkirschling]

So as some of you may know, I have had a lot of health problems with my batch of rats. I started with 7-Sprinkles, Miffy, Becky, Pimento, Gotham, Robot, and Twenty-Six. Sprinkles, Miffy, and Pimento have all had tumor removal surgery. Pimento just had hers about 5 weeks ago, and Miffy's fur is still growing in. I found another tumor on Miffy today, in her armpit. Gotham (a male) has two tumors, and should have surgery soon. I just had a mite infestation. Becky passed away of respiratory distress on NYE. I had to have her put to sleep. Twenty-Six died Monday. Robot's (and Twenty-Six's) back legs stopped working. They are almost two years old.

The surgery for the rats has been so expensive. I've spent about $1700 on the vet visits and procedures, and Gotham's will cost about $500. It is a burden that is hard to bear. I guess I'm just feeling so down about everything. I'm trying so hard. Now something's wrong with Robot and he's going to the vet tomorrow. I just can't take anymore right now. I know everybody says to re-home them if I can't take care of them, but who could love them like I do? We would take care of them? How could I let them go? I feel like I'm treading water, just always one step away from the next disaster, barely.

I'm sorry. I just felt that tumor on Miffy and I kind of lost it.

 

[Nazarath]

It's ok to feel like you do, it's hard to see your little ones getting sick and feeling like it all never stops. We are here for you and feel free to come here any time you need. I don't want to tell you to re-home them but maybe you can find a temp home for them till things get worked out? or maybe find a home where you are welcome to go and visit them??

 

[KayRatz]

Now if you can take them to the vet and get them proper care, why is everyone telling you to rehome them? o_o

 

[dkirschling]

Robot died today.

 

[Stephanie]

I am so sorry dkirschling I hope you have a better turn of luck with your ratties

 

[JennieLove]

Im so sorry for your loss :'(

 

[Poppyseed]

Oh so sorry D: That's horrible. I hope Gotham's surgery goes alright and the rest of your rattys stay happy and healthy. Very sorry for your loss.

 

[OnlyOno]

oh d, our thoughts are with you through all of this! you are an amazing pet owner to keep up with all of your poor babies, but it's up to you in the end if you don't think you can afford to take care of them anymore. i would also be worried that someone else may not make the effort or spend the money on 'just a rat', but i'm sure that they know that you are doing the best you can for them.

i'm so sorry to hear about all of your troubles with your babies recently, but i hope that those that you have remaining will bring you enough joy to heal from those lost.

 

[dkirschling]

Well, I'm still feeling a little low, but better overall. Gotham has an ulcerated cornea, I took him to the vet today. I have eye drops for him, and the vet said I should give him Metacam (pain) and Baytril (antibiotic) that I have already. He should be ok, poor thing. He still needs to have his tumors removed, but he's two years old, so I don't know (trails off)....

 

[OnlyOno]

it's ultimately up to Gotham, really. he'll let you know when he's not ready to let go with those dull eyes, loss of appetite, dingy coat, etc. at two years, that's a decently long life (what is it, like 27 rat years for every 1 human year?), and if he has multiple tumors anyway, he might be at an increased risk for developing more later.

no one can tell you what to do. you need to decide if his quality of life will be good enough before and after surgery for however long he will have left. i'm sorry that you have had so much trouble with your babies recently, d.