My ratty boys are getting old

[rkarcheologist]

Just this past week I lost one of my three boys, Wrex. And now Marshmallow has developed a tumor in his throat. It is hard because I have had my boys for so long and for them to come down with things so soon after a loss scares me and makes me sad.

I am mainly making this thread to talk about loss. I know their are rat forums but I just love this site and the people on them.

[cypher]

I'm really sorry for your loss, it's always hard & I know when one of my hams goes to the bridge I get very anxious about the others for a while & fear losing them, so I can imagine how difficult & upsetting it must be for you with Marshmallow having a tumour so soon after losing Wrex.
I know very little about rats btw but I think we feel the same about all our little pets.
I guess all we can do is cherish the time we have with them & try not to focus too much on the inevitable even when we know they may not be with us much longer but I know that is way easier to say than do.
I wish I could say something that would help but really all I can say is that I understand what you're going through & really feel for you.

[hrl20100]

Aw I am so so sorry to hear that your boys are going downhill
Did you get them at the same time? I am presuming that they are all around the same age, when they get old, its so so hard to see them deteriorate
I have 8 girls and one of them is just over 3, she is getting worse and worse (her hindend is getting weaker and she has problems walking) I can completely understand what your going through

Unfortunately rats are prone to tumours and lumps I had two girls (RIP) and both of them had lumps when they got older.

Just try and make sure Marshmellow (love the name!) is as comfortable as possible, and know that he had a wonderful life with you *hugs*

[herbi7]

I'm so sorry for your loss, yes it definitely makes you anxious about your other animals. I always feel Ile a terrible pet owner for a few days too, thinking of all the things I could have done differently. The first pet I lost was my cat and it was sudden, I just lost my ham too and I am grateful it was slower and I knew she wasn't good so I could fuss over her and be there for her for her final days. Cypher makes a wise point, to cherish the time you have and not focus too much on the difficulty and death to come. I find I try and predict when it will happen but you never can and each animal is different. Flump is right, make your boy as comfortable as you can and focus on the fact that he has had a lovely life with you

[rkarcheologist]

Originally Posted by cypher

I'm really sorry for your loss, it's always hard & I know when one of my hams goes to the bridge I get very anxious about the others for a while & fear losing them, so I can imagine how difficult & upsetting it must be for you with Marshmallow having a tumour so soon after losing Wrex.
I know very little about rats btw but I think we feel the same about all our little pets.
I guess all we can do is cherish the time we have with them & try not to focus too much on the inevitable even when we know they may not be with us much longer but I know that is way easier to say than do.
I wish I could say something that would help but really all I can say is that I understand what you're going through & really feel for you.

Thank you, and I think thats exactly it. After losing a pet you begin to fear for the other and for it to come true has me all in knots.

[rkarcheologist]

Originally Posted by hrl20100

Aw I am so so sorry to hear that your boys are going downhill
Did you get them at the same time? I am presuming that they are all around the same age, when they get old, its so so hard to see them deteriorate
I have 8 girls and one of them is just over 3, she is getting worse and worse (her hindend is getting weaker and she has problems walking) I can completely understand what your going through

Unfortunately rats are prone to tumours and lumps I had two girls (RIP) and both of them had lumps when they got older.

Just try and make sure Marshmellow (love the name!) is as comfortable as possible, and know that he had a wonderful life with you *hugs*

They are all the same age. Their time is calling them and its hard to see them get sick one right after the other. With Wrex, he passed due to hind leg degeneration complication. Now Marshmallow has this horrible thing and I can't get her in to see a vet until Monday. Even then I don't know if anything can be done.

Sorry for rambling its just has gotten me all anxious and in twist.

[rkarcheologist]

I have some good news. I finally found a vet who could see him over the weekend and it turns out to be an abscess. It has been drained and he is on the road to recovery!

Thank you all for your warm wishes and love.

[cypher]

That's such good news!