thinking of surgery

Question
Hi Sandra,
Thanks so much for all the advice. Ever since I've been to the vet with poor Nimh I've been agonizing over what to do. I had my mind pretty much made up to put her down because of the cost and the all the possible complications, but I was sick over the thought. I wanted someone to tell me what to do, then I checked my e-mail and you gave me some hope with the surgery and gave me your opinion of giving her every chance. I started to think maybe I'd get her the surgey and since then I've felt much better with the decision. Therefore Monday she's booked in and all my fingers and toes are crossed. Now it's just the waiting. Monday seems so far away and she is having such trouble getting around and just looks so pitiful.
I have their cage blocked to half it's size because I was afraid Nimh would get hurt on the ramps and I'm putting in lots of extra food. Nimh seems to be eating all the time and always seems to be hungry. She's on anti-inflamatories but they don't seem to be doing anything yet. Is there anything else I should be doing or watching for while we wait for her appointment?
Thanks again so much for everything.
Michelle, Nimh and her sisters.

Answer
I am glad your going to give her a chance....and I do think it will work out just fine. Even if she loses the use of her back foot, she will adjust.  I have a rat that had to have an eye removed and he is the most fiesty of the bunch, not even aware of his handicap.  I also have a rat that is totally blind and even hard of hearing and he does great too.

As for Nimh eating like crazy yet not gaining weight, this is from the tumor as I said before. SHe may eat like a little hog but no matter what she consumes, the tumor has become vascular in nature which means it is tapped into your rats blood supply and it also is robbing her of the nutrients she is getting from the food she eats. She will continue to drop weight despite the high calorie foods she eats etc...
What happens is the organs start to fail because the body is starving slowly and cannot sustain the vital organs. So many people have the misconception that all the tumors really do is interfere with mobility but they are doing much more damage than that, even if they are benign.                             
The anti-inflams are probably being used for any mild discomfort she may have from it but thats about all they are doing really. If they seem to make her sick, I would hold off giving them to her.  As for watching for anything else while your waiting for the surgery...be sure she is getting plenty of fluids and of course if you notice she seems lethargic or acts sick be sure to let the Vet know right away.

Good luck and keep me posted!!!!