Sad News - My Rat Stella

Miss Vicky · #1 05-24-2006, 09:02 AM

As many of you already know, I am quite the animal lover and one of my favorite kinds of animals is the rat. At the moment I have two of them, Stella and Cy, but soon it will be only one. A couple of weeks ago, I noticed a large bulge on the side of Stella's head. I had my veterinarian examine her and he determined that she likely had a tumor growing in her ear canal and that removal would not be an option. However, it turned out that the bulge was actually an abscess (though it is still possible that there may be a tumor in there). After draining and cleaning the abscess several times and maintaining her on antibiotics, she has not improved. The infection has caused her to develop a severe head tilt and she is no longer able to keep her balance. Worsening the matter is her chronic respiratory problems and now she has stopped eating.

This has left me with no real option but to have her euthanized. She's about three years old, which is a pretty typical life expectancy for a rat, so this is not really unexpected, but I was really hoping it wouldn't come to this so quickly. I'll be taking her in this morning to have it done.

R.I.P Stella.

JazmenFlowers · #2 05-24-2006, 09:11 AM

oh V...I'm so sorry. losing a pet, especially if you're an animal lover, is very difficult. my heart goes out to you. what a special bond you two must have.

and that picture is precious.

jannieC · #3 05-24-2006, 09:22 AM

I'm sorry to hear your little rat is sick. I had two rats once and they are smart and loving little buggers.

***ThePenguin*** · #4 05-24-2006, 09:31 AM

Sorry to hear about Stella. Our little mouse Caitlyn is 2 yrs old and winding down as well; it is always sad when they go.

-Lis

skcin · #5 05-24-2006, 10:19 AM

I'm sorry for your loss, Vicky.

elie · #6 05-24-2006, 10:48 AM

That was very sad

I am very sorry for your cute rat.

HomerMcvie · #7 05-24-2006, 11:32 AM

I'm really sorry, Vicky. I know how badly this must hurt. Take care.

ragandbone · #8 05-24-2006, 11:55 AM

Poor Vicky, poor little Stella.
That is a cute picture of her.

michelle2677 · #9 05-24-2006, 06:26 PM

Vicky, I just wanted to say I am so sorry to hear about Stella. I never thought I would tear up over a rat, (don't know why since I love all animals, but..ya know

) but that made me very sad. At least you are doing what is best for her and not keeping her around for selfish reasons. Best wishes and try to hang in there.

Johnny Stew · #10 05-24-2006, 10:20 PM

Vicky, I'm really, really sorry to hear about Stella. Losing a pet is like a kick in the stomach.

You'll both be in my thoughts.

desertangel · #11 05-25-2006, 05:37 AM

Aawww... I'm so sorry to hear about Stella. I am an animal lover too. I cried and missed my fish for days when he died. The pic = adorable.

Hugs to you.

Laura