Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Miss Vicky
The problem with this case is that it isn't clear cut. I've had to have my pets euthanized many times before, but in the past there hasn't been any doubts that the decision was the right one and that the animal was suffering.
I've had him examined by the vet, most recently on Wednesday. We are pretty much convinced that it is a disorder of the nerves and cannot be fixed. Even if movement of the legs could be restored, the muscles in them have atrophied drastically and it's likely that the legs would be too weak to support him.
Making the situation worse is the fact that my oldest rat, Jolly Roger, suddenly passed away last week (The vet suspects a stroke) and on the last exam a tumor was found on my other male, Monte (who is a poor surgical candidate. He becomes overly stressed when taken away from home and basically hyperventilates). Which adds to my feelings of guilt and wondering if I'm not keeping Gucci around for selfish reasons. It's almost enough to make me stop keeping rats altogether. 
X<:3 === )~~~~~ |
Aww, gosh, I'm so very sorry. But I don't think you are keeping him around for selfish reasons. I'm sure he'd want to live long as possible. Especially if he is in no pain, which is what it sounds like. Strandelah is right, you'll know when it is time, it will be when you can see your pet suffering much. I'm sorry for your losses.
