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 === )~~~~~ |
I'm so sorry about all of this. But I don't think you're being selfish. Something Ali said really struck me, and I if I'd had more pets of my own I bet I'd be promoting it even more. She said that in your heart, you'll know the right time. I think perhaps it is the strong connection people have with their pets that allows them to know when that time is, especially those who are so dedicated to them as you are.
