Rattie Update - Paw Talk

mtmaughan · #1 04-05-2008, 02:25 AM

I have my three rats together in one cage now.

They are not exactly "bonded" but they tolerate each other well enough. They have two big igloos and a hammock, so there is enough space for them to get away from each other until they (hopefully) start to bond. It will be so nice to only have to clean one cage!

Hercules is still limping.

It's been a week now, so I will definitely be taking him to the vet on Monday. There is still nothing visibly wrong with the leg or foot, and he still doesn't complain if I mess with it, so I just don't know what could be wrong. I hope the vet can tell me something about it.

laydeerodentzz · #2 04-05-2008, 07:50 AM

aww, Im glad they're in one cage now, such a shame about hercules' leg

I hope he gets better soon, give him a hug from me

good luck!!!

mulder · #3 04-05-2008, 09:12 AM

poor herc, im sure he'll feel better soon but a vet is best to make sure theres no structural damage. glad they're living together now, and im sure they're happier too!

mtmaughan · #4 04-05-2008, 02:06 PM

Last night was their first night together and I got up today to see them sleeping together in one igloo.

Bonding = success!!

mulder · #5 04-06-2008, 11:56 AM

yay! great success!! congrats

mtmaughan · #6 04-07-2008, 01:42 PM

We went to the vet today. She thinks it's some sort of spinal cord issue, since there is obviously nothing wrong with the actual leg. He didn't fall or anything, so it's probably just caused by age, as he is getting up there. It might clear up, it might not. Basically we've got some pain medication that he might just have to be on for the rest of his life, to make him as comfortable as possible. Not great news, but it could be worse.

laydeerodentzz · #7 04-07-2008, 02:25 PM

oww, sorry hun, so will he be limping for the rest of his life?
*cuddles*

Vanilla_Rat · #8 04-07-2008, 03:23 PM

I am happy to hear the bonding went well! I need to try and introduce my now lone Ninja to my other two! Hopefully it will be successful as yours!

mtmaughan · #9 04-07-2008, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laydeerodentzz


	oww, sorry hun, so will he be limping for the rest of his life? cuddles

Yes, I think he will be. There is a chance that this will just miraculously clear up, but probably not. I feel bad for him, but I hope the pain meds make him feel better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanilla_Rat


	I am happy to hear the bonding went well! I need to try and introduce my now lone Ninja to my other two! Hopefully it will be successful as yours!

Good luck with that! Herc was really depressed after Zorro died

I'm glad to see him snuggling with his new brothers now.

CaliforniaGirl · #10 04-07-2008, 10:34 PM

At least the rats are getting along now, too bad about his leg though

mtmaughan · #11 04-10-2008, 11:47 PM

Herc's pain meds have not been helping, in fact he seems to be getting worse. He's curling his foot under himself and sometimes it seems as if his leg just spasms and he twitches. He went back to the vet today for an x-ray. Turns out it's not a spine issue.

He was anesthetized and even asleep had restricted motion in the leg. The x-ray shows his left leg is much less dense than his right, so the thought is that it might be bone cancer. The prognosis for bone cancer is pretty terrible, so basically the plan is to keep him as comfortable as possible with pain meds and steroids.

*sigh* Another rat on the downhill. Poor little guy.

laydeerodentzz · #12 04-11-2008, 01:15 PM

sorry huny!
xx

Vanilla_Rat · #13 04-11-2008, 01:33 PM

I am so sorry!

mulder · #14 04-11-2008, 02:38 PM

oh no i'm so sorry he's not well! *hugs*