vet keeps rat overnight

Question

I am asking Sandra Todd the following question, please:

My rat needs spayed due to bleeding vaginally. The vet said she wants her to stay a few days after surgery.  I never went to her before and this is the first time a vet has wanted to keep my rat after surgery. It will cost at least $100 more if I let her stay but she said she wont feel comfortable operating if she isn't going to stay for nursing care etc etc...
I can care for my rat just fine at home cant I?

thank you

sincerely Patima

Answer
Hi Patima

I agree that its a good idea that your girl spend a few nights at the vet clinic following her surgery.  Spaying is very invasive and some vets will send the rat home after surgery the same day.  Some vets will do the surgery in the morning and keep the rat all day till close to closing time and the owner will come and pick up the rat.  Sometimes Vets wait just a few hours after surgery and send the animal home even while the rat is still wobbly from the pain and anesthesia.
This is unprofessional and dangerous to do. There is a higher chance of post op complications the first  24 hours after surgery such as bleeding, problems with stitches and also severe pain that requires an injection with a narcotic analgesic and this can continue for at least 24 to 48 hours   as well. When the rat is kept at the clinic under observation by a professional it is all around better for the rat.  If a person were to take their rat home and complications such as bleeding or pain etc....occurred you would find yourself racing the rat back to the vet and if it were 2am, what would you do? The rat would be under more stress and so would you.  
I think you have a good vet if they are offering to keep the rat at the clinic for post operative nursing care. This is the most professional route to take and ensures more of a chance to recover without incident if allowed to be taken care of by a staff of professionals.

hope this helps

Sandra