I'm about crushed!

[lillyorchid]

Today I took the little rattie I've hand raised to the vet to get her raing worm treated. First thing out of my vets mouth was "cute little thing but looks like she has megacolon". My heart just dropped. We then talked and he gave me a few options.

1st - He said he could do a surgury on her but there is no guarantee that it would completly fix it or that she would make it. He also said that it would be very expensive and time would only tell.

2nd - I could treat her for the ring worm and wait and see how she does, but it will only get worse and it's painful.

3rd - I could put her down.

I was just heart broken so I told him I was going to hold off on making any decisions right then and there and I'd be getting back in contact with him in a few days after I thought everything out, etc.


I hate to do it because I love the little girl, but I think putting her down is in her best interest at the moment. I don't know why I didn't pick up on it earlier because I've noticed that she hardly ever poops and has gotten pretty "fat" looking in the past week or two. I just feel really bad right now because I'm sure she is in pain because of that and I know she is itching like crazy too.


What do you guys think? Do you think I'll be doing the right thing for her?
I'd really like to hear your thoughts please because I'm completly heart broken right now. Just writing this has me all choked and teared up!

[mlededee]

i'm very sorry to hear about your little girl. unfortunately the best thing you can do for her is to have her put down. she is in pain right now and there is no need to prolong her suffering. it's tough, but it really is the best thing you can do for her.

[rabernet]

I agree with Emily - as heart breaking as it is - the kindest thing to do for her is to humanely end her suffering. Say your goodbyes this evening and then take her in tomorrow if you can. No need to let her continue to be in pain. The hardest thing to do as a pet owner is say good bye, but they really count on us to make their passing as pain free as possible.

[Vomitore]

I agree with Emily - as heart breaking as it is - the kindest thing to do for her is to humanely end her suffering. Say your goodbyes this evening and then take her in tomorrow if you can. No need to let her continue to be in pain. The hardest thing to do as a pet owner is say good bye, but they really count on us to make their passing as pain free as possible.

I agree.

[ZEKESMOM]

I'm so sorry I know it is a hard thing to do, but I agree with the others. Stop her pain.

[frankykeno]

Best to end the little rat's suffering dear and do it as soon and as humanely as possible.

[Pork Chops N' Corn Bread]

I'm very sorry to hear this but in the end its what nature intended. Naturally, the sick animals, predator and prey alike would likely be picked off before they get to the point of pain but as our pets are not likely to be preyed upon as a sick or injured animal would in the wild so they rely on us to do what nature would otherwise "clean up". Just remember, its as nature intended. Do what you feel best in your heart and you will never go wrong.
Keep your head up!
If you need to talk, feel free to PM me

[joepythons]

Today I took the little rattie I've hand raised to the vet to get her raing worm treated. First thing out of my vets mouth was "cute little thing but looks like she has megacolon". My heart just dropped. We then talked and he gave me a few options.

1st - He said he could do a surgury on her but there is no guarantee that it would completly fix it or that she would make it. He also said that it would be very expensive and time would only tell.

2nd - I could treat her for the ring worm and wait and see how she does, but it will only get worse and it's painful.

3rd - I could put her down.

I was just heart broken so I told him I was going to hold off on making any decisions right then and there and I'd be getting back in contact with him in a few days after I thought everything out, etc.


I hate to do it because I love the little girl, but I think putting her down is in her best interest at the moment. I don't know why I didn't pick up on it earlier because I've noticed that she hardly ever poops and has gotten pretty "fat" looking in the past week or two. I just feel really bad right now because I'm sure she is in pain because of that and I know she is itching like crazy too.


What do you guys think? Do you think I'll be doing the right thing for her?
I'd really like to hear your thoughts please because I'm completly heart broken right now. Just writing this has me all choked and teared up!

Allison,i am so sorry to here that she has this condition .In my opinion if she would have only a slight chance to survive even after the surgery then i would end her suffering .If you need someone to just talk to pm me anytime as you know i have lots of time to help a family member out .

[SatanicIntention]

I'm sorry hun, she was a gorgeous girl. I'm glad you are doing the right thing and letting her go peacefully before her health declined too much. Megacolon is a very painful condition, and no 3 week old baby should have to suffer through it.

And this is also a good lesson for people who like to breed high-white rats(blazed, husky, masked, any headspots, etc). Megacolon happens and is a serious concern. If you are breeding high white rats, and get megacolon babies, it is very important to not use any rats from that line for breeding, as they carry the predisposition to pass megacolon on.

[lillyorchid]

Thank you all for the support and help. I now know what I have to do. It's going to be real hard to make that phone call tomorrow but I know it's for the best for her.