post-operative care

Question
Hi Sandra, I live in Qld., Australia and have inherited my teenage son's pet rat Millie. I have fallen in love with her and I agree with your maxim, 'If you can't afford the vet, you can't afford the pet'.Yesterday, Milly had a huge tumor removed and although she has come through the op with flying colours, I am worried in case she starts chewing at the sutures. If she has not already shown an inclination to do so, would it be fair to assume that she won't start, and would you know of anything I could do to help avoid the problem.I check on her every few minutes and it's going to be a long week. I am carrying her around in a travel bag everywhere I go so she keeps interested in new things all the time.Our vet is a lovely young lady who specialises in rodents and she has tried several different methods to prevent rats attacking their wound site, but finds heavy sedation the most effective. Not all products available in the US are are an option for us here, but if you have any information that would help, I will pass it on for the benefit of the rats of Australia. Thanks for being a spokesperson for these much maligned little critters and for your great website. Lorraine Cameron

Answer
Hi There


Sounds like things are going good.  The key to keeping rats from messing with their stitches comes with a bit of skill on the surgeons part but also on knowing how a rat thinks, and of course some common sense in general.

For starters, the vet should not pull the stitches too tight. This causes unneeded pulling and does nothing to speed healing. It may eliminate scarring but really, I dont think Milly cares if she has any scars, do you? lol :)
When the stitches are too tight the rat is going to want to get relief so this is when they pick at them. ALso, they are going to be uncomfortable so this in turn means they will also pick at them.  A vet is a bit nervous giving the rat narcotic pain meds to bring home for whatever reason I dont know....but this helps the rat feel better and in turn they do not mess with the stitches.  

Has she messed with them at all?