abdominal

Question
QUESTION: One of my daughter's rats, a ~one year old female, has a swollen abdomen. It started about a week ago and has been increasing in size. The vet we took her to this a.m. stated that an xray showed a "mass" with fluid around it. It isn't a bowel obstruction. He said to bring her back for an ultrasound if she doesn't improve. I suspect there isn't much he can do for her b/c otherwise he would have done something today. It sounds like a tumour with ascites; if so what, if anything, can be done about it? We have few choices in vets in our small city. It is unlikely he will do surgery. Should we be preparing our daughter for Cocoa's death? Also fyi, she was receiving amoxicillin for a resp infection around the time the bloating started. We've discontinued the amox, but we understand this could be just a coincidence.
Thank you for any information you can provide.

ANSWER: I doubt the amoxil had anything to do with it also, but I do not like the sound of things.

Did the vet sedate her and try to aspirate the fluid?  Is she intact or spayed?

Please let me know your location.  I have a database here that perhaps I can find a vet that can be of more help rather than telling you to "wait for it to get worse".  

The ultrasound should have been done today to be honest.  Waiting is not good as we all know that time is something rats do not have alot of.

I dont want to tell you to prepare your daughter for her pet rats death if there is a chance that another Vet out there, even an hour drive from you, can help.  

Surgery IS an option in many cases when dealing with a skilled exotic vet.  I have seen many internal masses removed (some so big you wonder where it was hiding!!) and the rat recovered well. Others were not so lucky.  However, a good vet will be able to know what he is dealing with before surgery so you will know your options.  Right now you were given few options and left to worry and wonder, which is not good for anyone.  I want to help, so please let me try to find another Vet that may have something more to say.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for getting back to me. As far as I know, the vet did not do anything beyond the xray. (It was a drop-off appointment as we wanted her looked at asap.) I rather thought the ultrasound should have been done today too - I wasn't the pick-up person so the question wasn't asked.

She is intact - I'm not aware of any vets here who spay rats. I live in St. John's, NL, which is more than a little off the beaten track. Many cats and dogs, very few pet rats.

She's quite a sweet rat - and getting sicker by the day. Thanks again.

ANSWER: Dr. Hendrik DeZeeuw
Sunrise Animal Hospital
1 Sunrise Ave
Mount Pearl, NFLD (Just outside St. John's)
Phone: (709) 368-7981 (also for emergency)


Have you ever heard of this Vet?  

And yes, your right, you are FAR out there.  I found some good vets, even one with a funny name called "Ferrets to Finches" or something fun like that...and it was ONLY 19 hours from you. LOL!

This makes me feel really helpless at this point. I would either check out the vet above, and with my lucky, this is probably the one your using....OR, call the other vet back and tell him your not satisfied and want the tests done now and want to know what he can do for her rather than sit and wait for her to die.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Sandra:
This isn't a question but didn't want to close off our correspondence before the problem resolved. Just thought you'd want to know that we've made an appointment for Tuesday with the vet you recommended. He has apparently operated on rats before and is willing to take a look at her. Thanks so much for your help and advice. If you are interested, we can let you know how it all turns out when we complete the "thank-you" form later.
Cheryl

Answer
Oh this is good news!!  I am happy this vet is the right one for you. Please let me know what happens. I absolutely love hearing follow ups, even months from now.  Do you have a photo of your babies abdomen swollen that you can attach here or email me at sandyscrittercity@yahoo.com and this way,you can reach me personally rather than go through all experts.



REVISED

Cheryl, I am trying to reach you.  The email you sent bounces back again. Please write to me again at Sandyscrittercity@yahoo.com and lets try this again. I want to tell you how sorry I am about losing your little daughters rat and also talk about the good ole flu, I had it in June!!