Advice as my rat passes on

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Lalane

New Member
Joined
May 3, 2020
Messages
3
Location
North Dakota, United Stated
I think my rat, Colonel Mustard has finally reached his end. I've had him for 2 years and he was an adult size when I got him from someone else. He has been urinating blood for some time now. The vet concluded that he has a urinary tumor and gave anti-inflammatory meds that are supposed to help with pain too.

Over the past few weeks, he has lost a lot of weight and his hair has begun thinning.

Tonight, he is more lethargic than usual and isn't interested in anything including peanut butter.

I don't know if I should call the emergency vet to have him euthanized or let him pass here at home. I also don't know if it is better for me to hold him and keep him warm until then or should I let him pass in the company of his other rat companions. They haven't seemed very interested in him and kind of walk over him.

Any advice on making him more comfortable would be appreciated.
 
You know him better than anyone. If you think he's suffering then euthanasia is the kindest option. If you feel that the medicine is adequate at keeping him pain-free then you can choose to wait it out and keep offering him his favourite treats. He may pass in the next couple of days and, if you think he's relatively comfortable, then there's no reason that he can't be in your arms when that happens. If he doesn't start to eat soon though, and he's still with you after a day or two, it might mean he's ready to go and there's no sense dragging that out, as difficult as that decision can be. It sounds like he's an old boy. I'm very sorry you're going through this, it's never easy.
 
It is nearly midnight here so I don't know if he will even make it to tomorrow to be euthanized. He really isn't doing well. Every so often it seems as though he gets frightened and his body leaps up, but it doesn't seem like he has control over it.

I have him nestled in my shirt right now and it seems to help keep him in place a little better.
 
He has passed on now.
I feel for you. I really do. It's so hard to watch your beloved rats age and get ill. I'm dealing with a similar situation to you as my rat is going to be 2 in July and is slowly going downhill. I am glad your rat passed at home, pain free, with you.
 
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