Help!!

[arcanemyst]

My rat had a tumor removed today from her back left side. I just checked on her and noticed that the sutures have come open. There is not a 24 hour emergency vet in my area. She is in a kennel with paper towels down as bedding. Is this something that can hold until morning or do I need to get her to a vet asap? Can it hold until the morning

Comments

[daoine_o]

i'm certainly not a vet, but i did have a rattie many years ago i had a tumor removed from that very same area. i'm surprised it's not bleeding, but if not, i'd suggest keeping a *very* close watch (like get up during the night, even) for any problems, or her messing with the area; licking, scratching, irritating it...try and keep it clean, if necessary, and talk to/get her to a vet asap. i'd hate to suggest contacting ala**** ea** for advice, as they'd no doubt tell you to bring her in, but if it looks like she may need to be seen, you may need to bite the bullet and take her in.

man, these things *always* happen on weekends, don't they? my ferret that died last year had his crisis over thanksgiving weekend, wednesday night, even. figures.

good luck!

[arcanemyst]

Since I posted this we have had to take her to the vet 2 more times. She keeps getting to the sutures and destroying them. Now she has a cone thing on her head. Hopefully she will not be able to reach the sutures.

[daoine_o]

now there's a rattie with some spunk!

trying to picture her with an elizabethan collar on...funny to imagine, but also kinda sad. hope she heals quickly and doesn't have to endure the e-collar much longer. :)

[vixxenesque]

I agree with the comment above. I had a dumbo rat who had a similar problem and I believe that as long as you keep the wound clean and it isn't bleeding, your rat may be alright to wait for the vet. However, if you are unsure of the situation than it may be best to be safe and take the rat in right away. Sadly, the problem with rats is that once they catch something or have open wounds, they may not last very long. One thing I've used to help rat wounds (or any wounds for any animals for that matter) is an oitment called BagBalm. It keeps it clean and prevents bleeding.

I do hope this helps, Hun, and let us know how the little rattie does! :)

[jenova_x]

Depending on how open the area is, liquid band aid or even super glue can be applied. Though I did not have a rat, I have 3 cats and 3 dogs. Sometimes when they are cut we use super glue. Super Glue was invented during the war to be used on wounds instead of stitches. It does not open as easily and it keeps the wound clean.

Since you are taking it to the vet the next day, I would not use super glue as it would be hard to remove. However liquid band aid is just as good, it would seal the wound, stop infection or bleeding and can be washed off by the vet.

[rocknghorseland]

I hope your rat is doing better.

~A

[pnaautodet]

Can we chat? Go Here dld.bz/chwZJ