Rat enucleation surgery

Question
I just brought home my male rat from the vet after having an enucleation surgery yesterday afternoon.

The vets have been wonderful and sent me home with Meticam and TMS, as well as a bandage on his left arm so that he won't scratch at the stitches.  However, as a rat he wants to chew it off.  The vet told me to just add to the bandage (with the surgical tape) as he chews it, but that is not working well at all.  In addition the bandage is very large and makes it difficult for him to get around, and I am concerned about him hurting his arm as a result.

My vets office is closed for the weekend, and I have called around but no one seems to know what to do.

What do you suggest? My vet had mentioned an E-collar but no other vets seem to have one for rats, and I really don't want to stress him out more.

Thank you for your advice and help with this matter.

Jennifer

Answer

My one eyed boy
See the picture in the corner?  Thats my boy, Santana.  His eye was removed a year ago.  He did not touch his stitches and the more you try to prevent it, the more they try to get into trouble.

In fact, the fifth day post op, his stitches were coming out on their own so I removed them and his eyelid was already fusing beautifully. They heal really fast.


I would remove the bandage and see how he acts. He may surprise you.

The e-collar wont work anyhow because of the odd shape between the neck and the shoulders of the rat. Without choking him, it will just slide down.

Most rats dont want pain and if he goes to scratch his eye, which he shouldnt, he isnt dumb, he will stop.

Try it and see how it goes...