G
Georgia Campbell
Guest
Hiya everyone I’m new to this but I really need some advice from fellow rat owners.
I got 4 boys nearly 3 years ago who were my third lot of rats. They suffered from respiratory problems from day one but we were very vigilant and made sure that they were happy and healthy as could be.
We lost the first two in september and October of last year from pituitary tumours, and the third in November from complications with his respiratory illness. 2 of my boys were put to sleep as their suffering was too great and their quality of life was diminishing , and our lovely vet (who cried when they were put to sleep) advised us that this was the right idea.
We’re now left with one very strong boy Caspar. He has spent his whole life in perfect health until he lost his brothers. I made a decision not to get him a cage mate purely because he’s always been a bit on the aggressive side and I wouldn’t want to cause him more stress.
I fear now that he is suffering from a pituitary tumour. He is also losing control over his back legs and I am having to get penis plugs out every day
He’s eating and drinking and I’ve modified his cage so that he can’t fall. He comes out for a cuddle several times a day.
Really I just don’t know what to do. I feel like it’s selfish if I keep him alive while he can barely walk and is wasting away, his bones are protruding a lot and I can hear his breathing troubles.
I’m conflicted on what to do, as silly as it sounds these rats have been the light of my life since 2016 and I don’t want to let go, but I won’t let him suffer.
Just hoping that someone else has been through the same situation and can give me some advice.
Thank you x
I got 4 boys nearly 3 years ago who were my third lot of rats. They suffered from respiratory problems from day one but we were very vigilant and made sure that they were happy and healthy as could be.
We lost the first two in september and October of last year from pituitary tumours, and the third in November from complications with his respiratory illness. 2 of my boys were put to sleep as their suffering was too great and their quality of life was diminishing , and our lovely vet (who cried when they were put to sleep) advised us that this was the right idea.
We’re now left with one very strong boy Caspar. He has spent his whole life in perfect health until he lost his brothers. I made a decision not to get him a cage mate purely because he’s always been a bit on the aggressive side and I wouldn’t want to cause him more stress.
I fear now that he is suffering from a pituitary tumour. He is also losing control over his back legs and I am having to get penis plugs out every day
He’s eating and drinking and I’ve modified his cage so that he can’t fall. He comes out for a cuddle several times a day.
Really I just don’t know what to do. I feel like it’s selfish if I keep him alive while he can barely walk and is wasting away, his bones are protruding a lot and I can hear his breathing troubles.
I’m conflicted on what to do, as silly as it sounds these rats have been the light of my life since 2016 and I don’t want to let go, but I won’t let him suffer.
Just hoping that someone else has been through the same situation and can give me some advice.
Thank you x