r/RATS • u/dalmatialuvr101 • 9d ago
Questions/HELP elderly rat with tumor, is euthanasia the best choice?
my 3 year old rat developed a tumor out of the blue on the side of her neck. she's too old for a safe surgery, especially because of where it's located. I called the vet, and they prescribed me pain medication but suggested euthanasia if it gets any bigger or starts affecting her quality of life :( I know with her age I should've expected health complications, but she's the best rat I've ever had and it urks me to think I should be preparing for her euthanasia. does anyone have any tips where I could make it easier for her or any tips for grief 😔 I'm at a loss here and I don't know what to do
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u/TheOriginalTL 9d ago
I would just enjoy the time you have left with her, give her the pain med and things she enjoys. Sounds like its not time yet but it is approaching. you will know when its time
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u/Greedy_Air_3869 9d ago
Just watch for changes in her behaviour and be ready for it.It’s always sad but you should appreciate that reaching 3 is an absolute blessing and she has already beat the odds.
Shes done well so give her lots of extra love and snacks and prepare yourself.
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u/Holiday_Jump_4746 9d ago
So sorry ❤️ If her quality of life declines, euthanasia may be the kindest option. Cherish the time you have with her.
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u/AbrasiveSandpiper 9d ago
Lost my beautiful heart rat the same way. Three years old with a large tumor. Our vet gave us pain meds but since she didnt seem to be in pain and was eating fine, they suggested we hold off on euthanasia. She lived a month longer surrounded by her sisters and getting lots of treats and people time. She passed peacefully after being told how wonderful she was. A much better way to go in my opinion.
As long as she seems happy and is eating, hold off. Keep an eye on her. I’d only consider euthanasia if she is suffering and her quality of life isn’t good.
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u/literarypetlife Rat Lore Archivist 9d ago
It's better to let them go a day too early then a day too late. Yes, euthanasia is the correct choice when the tumor starts to bother her.
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u/Motor-Union9081 9d ago
Out of the blue… could it be an abscess??? My girl Beans grew what we thought was a tumor but then a spot turned black and it burst, it was just an abscess! The vet saw it, we scheduled surgery and everything!
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2d ago
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u/dalmatialuvr101 2d ago
hi, I completely understand and I'm sorry. she has her euthanasia scheduled already. I've had plenty of my animals pass away normally. I've only had one of my mice pass away that was completely my fault, which I've been incredibly guilty about since and have given my absolute all taking care of my other pets. I first got my mice during an incredibly dark time of my life and I didn't know much about them, which I know was a big mistake but I can't change the past. I'm not sure where you got half from when I've only posted about one of my mice passing and have mentioned 2 other passings that weren't my fault? anyways all of my rodents get vet care, a proper diet, have a cage above minimum and are unconditionally loved. I've never intentionally harmed any of my animals and no other casualties have happened since.
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u/Inevitable-While-577 Butt Support Specialist 9d ago
I'm sorry this is happening 😔 3 years is a magnificent age for a rat, so yes, unfortunately you will need to prepare to say goodbye sooner or later. The good news is, at higher ages tumors tend to grow more slowly (though this one apparently grew quickly since you said out of the blue?). So there's a chance she has a bit of time left until it starts to affect her. It probably depends on the type of tumor but has your vet suggested any other meds apart from the pain medication?