Continuation of Walter Case

Question
QUESTION: Sorry they wouldnt allow another follow up without staring a new question....Sure I wouldnt mind your help to find a good vet at all. I want him to feel better, I dont like seeing him like this. Yes Ive seen the pic and the second one looks more like it than the first. What would you suggest I do?

ANSWER: I would have another vet look at it for starters and if they dont think medication will help (if its infection or not, it depends what is inside) the vet may aspirate it and if oral antibiotics and steroids dont work, it can come off easily but if there is infection, he needs oral medication before surgery.

Meantime I would try to get him to stand in a warm bowl of water with hibicleanse liquid antiseptic solution. You can buy it from any drug store, walmart sells a tiny bottle for about five bucks. You can just put a few drops in and make it bubbly and try to stand him in it.
Keep him on soft padding in the cage. Line the floor with fleece (you can also buy cheap baby blankets, the flannel kind, and lay it down on the floor, putting the litter in a box. I can almost promise he will waddle to the box to poop.  I would give him alot of white papertowels to lay on as well.  Not sure what your using but keep the litter super clean (and I am sure you know pine and cedar are NO NO's) I like aspen, and carefresh is ok too.
Does he walk ok with it?

Anyhow, rub neosporin on it three times a day too.  Would he let you wrap it with a gauze wrap, even just for a bit?

Anyhow, let me know your zip code. I will find someone for you that will do alot more for him than the other vet.  You can get him in for a consultation and see what options he has.



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

QUESTION: I am such a wuss when it comes to these things, I feel sick to my stomach just thinking about it, I can only imagine what my little rat is thinking. Poor guy. Well I will make a tiny shopping list and get these things tomorrow. Antiseptic Solution, Baby Blanket, Paper Towel, and maybe a small Tupperware to use as a litter box? I have plenty of carefresh to change it frequently. I also have neosporin already. As far as the gauze I'm not sure  maybe with the help of someone but it took a lot to just take the pic of it, but I will definitely try. My zip is 14619. Thanks so much :)

Answer

You may need to make a drive, an hour or so, but to save your rats life it may be necessary. These two vets are certified exotic vets. I would call them, as for their email and send them the photo of your rats mass.
Let the vet there see it and ask them if its worth you coming in and I am sure they will say HECK YES!  

I will try to find someone closer but a real exotic vet is what you need...anything else is a waste of money and can put your rats life in danger.  How are things going, btw?


Dr. Laura Wade
Broadway Veterinary Clinic PC    
5915 Broadway
 Lancaster NY 14086
Phone:    716-681-4440
Website: www.broadwayvetclinic.net




Dr. Kimberly Leys
Blue Cross Animal Hospital    
3921 Main Street
Amherst NY 14226
Phone:    716-832-2800