[Clarkbar]

My girl Stella has a mammary tumor that is as big around as she is, and about 1/3 the size of her. I first noticed it in July. It seems to be growing rapidly now; a month ago it was 1/4 the current size.

She is less active during free roam, sleeps a lot, and has started to waddle when she walks. She is 2 1/2 years old though. There's a vein that is stretched worryingly across the mass of the tumor, but it hasn't been a problem so far. I also just found a new pea sized lump on the same side near her urethra.

Stella tries to act normal, but gets confused when she can't fit into small things anymore, silly girl. I have adapted her cage to assist with mobility, and have food and water on both levels.

How do I know when it's time to have her put to sleep? Do I go by size, or quality of life? I hate that I will have to make this decision.

 

[ratbusters]

Wow, Stella is doing amazingly well for 2 1/2 years old.
On the rat guide, there is a helpful section about mammary tumours.
One thing they pointed out, which I found helpful, is that tumours can use up a huge amount of calories to maintain and grow, so you could check Stella to see whether the rest of her is becoming emaciated.
Here is the link for the Rat Guide. There are heaps of case studies which I found helpful.

Mammary Tumor – Rat Guide

ratguide.com

 

[Ratty_123]

My girl Stella has a mammary tumor that is as big around as she is, and about 1/3 the size of her. I fist noticed it in July. It seems to be growing rapidly now; a month ago it was 1/4 the current size.
She is less active during free roam, sleeps a lot, and has started to waddle when she walks. She is 2 1/2 years old though. There's a vein that is stretched worryingly across the mass of the tumor, but it hasn't been a problem so far. I also just found a new pea sized lump on the same side near her urethra.

Stella tries to act normal, but gets confused when she can't fit into small things anymore, silly girl. I have adapted her cage to assist with mobility, and have food and water on both levels.

How do I know when it's time to have her put to sleep? Do I go by size, or quality of life? I hate that I will have to make this decision.
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Poor girl. You can check out the rat guide as @ratbusters stated. Only you can make the decision on when it’s time, and Stella will let you know when she’s ready. To answer your question, there are a few things you can go by.
-Size
-When it affects her mobility
-If it splits open
-If it gets sores on it
-If her quality of life just isn’t good
This artcicle by a licensed breeder can help. Scroll down to where it’s about tumors. I wish you guys the best of luck! 💛

Rat Sicknesses & Illnesses

 

[Clarkbar]

One thing they pointed out, which I found helpful, is that tumours can use up a huge amount of calories to maintain and grow, so you could check Stella to see whether the rest of her is becoming emaciated.

I can feel her hips easily, but I don't know if she's skinny from being old, because of the lump, or if it's normal and I just never paid attention before. I have been feeding her higher calorie supplemental food since I noticed, like cooked pasta, walnuts, some yogurt ect.

 

[ratbusters]

Case study fig. 3 on that Rat Guide page really made me think, when our girl had a large mammary tumour. (Bit of a sad read though).
It mentions that ".... almost all of the nutrients she consumed were being used by her body to sustain the fast growing mammary tumor..." which was making her very thin.
I'm definitely not saying that Stella has become like the rat in the case study, but I found the article helpful in terms of preventing things from getting that bad.
All the best with her. Its always a tough call to make.

 

[Ratty_123]

This might help, scroll down to the Tumors section. This article is by a licensed breeder. 💛

Rat Sicknesses & Illnesses

 

[Clarkbar]

Unfortunately Stella's lump got so big that the skin was starting to tear. We were able to get into the vet quickly, and they do sleeping gas before the injection so it's peaceful. She was very calm and cuddly at the office before the vet got to us. It's really sad, but at least I don't have to watch her and worry anymore.

 

[Clarkbar]

Shadow the Rat and Fizzy Star Rats on caring for a rat with a mammary tumor when you dont opt for surgery, and how to know when it's time to let them go.

 

[ratbusters]

Unfortunately Stella's lump got so big that the skin was starting to tear. We were able to get into the vet quickly, and they do sleeping gas before the injection so it's peaceful. She was very calm and cuddly at the office before the vet got to us. It's really sad, but at least I don't have to watch her and worry anymore.
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Sorry for your loss, but pleased for you both that she had a peaceful end.

 

[Ratty_123]

I’m so sorry for

Unfortunately Stella's lump got so big that the skin was starting to tear. We were able to get into the vet quickly, and they do sleeping gas before the injection so it's peaceful. She was very calm and cuddly at the office before the vet got to us. It's really sad, but at least I don't have to watch her and worry anymore.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to you. Now she is at peace and flying around in heaven and playing on the rainbow bridge with her other friends and watching over you! Your next ratty very well could be sent by Stella! 🐀🌈💛

 

[SonicRat]

I am sorry you lost her,what a testament to her love for you that she hung on for as long as she did

 

[Keaka]

Unfortunately Stella's lump got so big that the skin was starting to tear. We were able to get into the vet quickly, and they do sleeping gas before the injection so it's peaceful. She was very calm and cuddly at the office before the vet got to us. It's really sad, but at least I don't have to watch her and worry anymore.
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She had a very long happy life. It's amazing that you were able to stay with her until the end. It was a very hard decision but she's not suffering anymore.💜