My Rat Has a Tumor

[Embark]

I have had my male hooded rat for almost 2 years. His name is Snickers and he is my best bud. But I recently discovered he has a tumor on his left side between his front and rear legs. It is getting bigger every day but I cannot afford to take him to the vet. I know that sounds like its cold hearted but I just found out I owe the IRS 3 grand and I cant even begin to come up with that kind of money in the time I have. Needless to say Surgery for my rat is not looking like a viable option. I have been looking into ways to euthinize him when the time comes but I dont know how long I should wait and what I can use to make it painless. I read that halothane could be used and it was a pretty painless ordeal..but I have no idea where I could get something like that.

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated. I dont want to off my rat if I dont have to but I know that I need too eventually. I just dont want to do it too soon. He doesnt look like he is in any pain but I hear rats are prett stoic and tend to hide weakness well.

[Jade]

For legal and humane reasons I am going to ask that members not post a way to euthanize a pet at home.

I'm sorry for your situation but all that we can recommend is that you take him to a vet for humane euthanasia. Some vets will do this for free in certain cases, you may want to call around and ask.

First off euthanasia should be done by a qualified veterinarian. If you cannot afford to have your rat euthanized several vets can have your sign him over to their hospital and provide the euthanation for free. Because of his age and the location of the tumour surgery is most likely not an option. There is a product on the market called Pau d'Arco that helps slow tumour growth. You can ask about it on the Rats Rule forum. The link is:

http://www.goosemoose.com/rfc/index.php

Before you decide to euthanize him you may want to make sure it's really a tumour and not a sebacious cyst or an abscess, which can be easily cured. You can also call around and see if any vets will take payments or offer to volunteer to work off your bill. You can contact your local Humane Society as well and see if there are any organizations around your area that help pay for vet bills. The sooner you get him to the vet the sooner treatment can begin.

[connieanddutch]

it would be better to give him to your nearest animal shelter than to let him suffer

[elfomatic]

I'm really sorry to hear about your rat ... wish there was more I could do.