Update on Phil/questions about surgeries

Phil's neuter is today. I took him in this morning for a checkup and then left him to get prepped. I talked to the doctor and learned that he is the same doctor who operated on Dot. I feel safe leaving Phil with him, and I finally got to thank him for the last nine months I got with Dot. He was sad to hear that she had passed, but was very happy to hear that it was only recently. I'm glad we did the check-up first with me there, because I was glad to actually be able to talk to him about my concerns and his, and to see how good he was with them.

That being said, Dot's spay was an emergency and not something he generally handles. He's done many rat neuters, and he's spayed many guinea pigs and rabbits, but he was not confident in his or the anesthesiologist's ability to spay a rat, especially one as tiny as Lucille. So, I brought her home with me, and he sent me home with the number of another pocket pet specialist who has done lots of work on rats. If I decide to do it, it will be much more expensive than planned, but would be worth it if she's more confident about it being successful.

Which brings me to my question. The Belton clinic does laser surgeries. She talked a lot to me about the benefits of laser surgery, but the idea of it for something as small as Lucille makes me nervous and I was wondering if any of you had ever had it done like that.

In not sure about the latter question part of your post, but hope Phil did well today!

Yes, how is Phil doing? Did he do well with his procedure? Hope he is recovering quickly! :nod:

I know absolutely nothing about laser surgeries, didn't even know it was an option. But as others have mentioned, I hope Phil made out well today.

The poor little guy is still pretty tired, but he's doing great. Happy to be home.

I hadn't realized laser surgery was an option either. It makes me a little uneasy, simply because I know nothing about it. I'm going to talk to the vet Monday and see if I can't get a better idea of her experience with this procedure before I make up my mind.

Aww, Phil is so sweet! Look at that tired face looking up at you! He had a hard day at the vet's, I know. What a precious boy. Give him my love and I hope he heals up very fast.

(and make sure he does not chew on those cords he is next to in the picture!) Eeesh, sorry, I am such a MOTHER. 8*)

He's always so cuddly and sweet, and he's been especially so today. He was so glad to see me after his surgery, and to be home.

He's my good boy. He doesn't chew up all my things, unlike his sisters.

Healing vibes to Phil!:flower: I believe it was Clark that they used the laser on when his neuter became infected, but what they actual did I'm not sure.

Laser surgery is generally more precise. So it might be a safer route. The fact that dspch911's Clark got and infection from his neuter was most likely just bad luck. Laser technology is newer. Since it is more precise I would say it is the better option for critters so small. They use laser surgery for eye corrections and brain surgery all the time. And being that those are two very delicate areas I think that says something

I see how laser surgery could be a good idea for rats. I just don't know how I feel with how little I know about what the results have been so far.I plan to talk to the doctor on Monday, and try to figure out how well it's gone so far. She's supposed to be very good. If our conversation goes well, I will have to take Lucille out to Belton to have it done.

Also, Phil is feeling pretty good today. Much more active than before. His incision is healing much faster than I had expected.

Bahahaha! That poor boy must feel so naked!
It's looking good though - very little swelling so far.

I know. I'm looking forward to him getting his fur back down there. The weather's getting chilly around here. I'm so glad he's healing good. In three more weeks, he's gonna be good as new and finally get to play with the ladies, so he'll have some cuddle buddies as it gets cooler.

Aww, look at that cute shaved boy patch! I am SO glad Phil is healing up fast! He was so glad to see you after his surgery, aw, that must feel so good knowing your fur baby loves and misses you when he is at the vet. Phil is a doll and I have fallen madly in love with him (like you couldn't tell, right?)

He's pretty easy to fall in love with. He's so precious.

dspch911 said:

Healing vibes to Phil!:flower: I believe it was Clark that they used the laser on when his neuter became infected, but what they actual did I'm not sure.

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Steph said:

Laser surgery is generally more precise. So it might be a safer route. The fact that dspch911's Clark got and infection from his neuter was most likely just bad luck. Laser technology is newer. Since it is more precise I would say it is the better option for critters so small. They use laser surgery for eye corrections and brain surgery all the time. And being that those are two very delicate areas I think that says something

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They used the laser AFTER he got the infection

Okay. I did read that right. That's more reassuring.

So, not a good update. Phil has been acting a little odd since his surgery, but nothing to really worry about. Last night, he started breathing a little heavier than usual, which worried me. Tonight, he was having trouble breathing so we went out to the emergency vet. He has pneumonia. He was sniffly before the surgery, so I insisted on a pre-surgery check-up with the vet, and he said that Phil sounded a little congested, but not bad and he suspected it was the sudden change in the weather.

I'm terrified. He just now started having real trouble breathing, but he's lost some weight and been lethargic lately. I thought it was just him recovering from the surgery. I'm worried I've waited too long to get him help. He starts antibiotics tonight, and we go back in two days if there's no real improvement, to do a nebulizer treatment. My poor little guy's never really been sick before.

Sending loving vibes to you and Phil!
Keep us updated! It sounds like you're making sure he gets good care from his vet though. Don't beat yourself up. You didn't know. [emoji173]️[emoji232]

I got some steam going in the bathroom to break up his congestion and started his meds immediately. My girls have all had health problems at some point or another and they learned quickly that they needed their medicine, but Phil hates it. Also, they didn't mix the cherry flavor in with the Baytril this time, so he's even angrier. But he made it through that and he sounded a little better after the steam. He managed to eat a little at around 3 in the morning, and I was finally able to sleep. He really scared me at the vet. He was so anxious and anti-social, which is very unlike him, and he really tore me up trying to scramble up to my shoulder to hide. He was just heaving by the time we got there. He fell asleep on my chest with me and one of my housemates (all three of them got dressed in the middle of the night and ran out to the vet with me, reminding me that Phil is family) petting him and talking to him.

I realize I might be overreacting a little. I'm so nervous about them all after Dot and Mo died a couple months ago. When I saw how bad he was last night, I was just worried that I was going to lose him, after we came this far and were just about to introduce him to his new friends. I feel better about it this morning. We're gonna snuggle later, since he's been so clingy lately, and I'm gonna see if I can't tempt him to have some yogurt.

Awww, poor Phil! It is better to act a little too soon rather than a little too late. Pneumonia is very serious, so it's good you got him in right away. It's wonderful to hear he is such an important part of your 'family'. I'm glad he seems to be responding to his medication.