I had a pet rat, my 1st one, she got a tumor,and then the vet removed it, But I LOVE them so much, she eveutally got another tumor and i had to put down. i had another one for 2 weeks and it got a tumor and i had to put it down, why is this happening to me??@@@!!
2006-10-28 05:23:23 · 10 answers · asked by Lindsay 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Unfortunately, tumors is an extreamly common thing in rats. Female rats are a buttload more likely to get tumors than male rats. Thats because most tumors they get are mammory tumors, and females have a lot more mammory glands than males. You can also reduce the chance of tumors greatly by spaying your female rats. Feeding your rats certain foods can also prevent tumors. Also, getting your rats from a breeder that breeds for health instead of a petstore can also reduce your chance of getting rats with tumors. In my experience, all of the feeder rats I have gotten have had tumors, and very few of the bred rats got them. This is a very very great website explaining what you can do to prevent tumors and what you can do after a tumor appears- http://ratfanclub.org/tumors.html
I have rescued rats for a long time, and I'm addicted to them. They are such wonderful pets! Their only downfall is that they dont live long enough, and that can be heartbreaking at times, but I still cant live without them!
And for those who say "rats are just $5, why take it to the vet?" (god thats frustrating!) I always say back sarcastically "you can get a dog for free, why take that to the vet? Why even feed it? That costs money! When he dies of starvation, we can get another free dog!"
2006-10-28 05:37:39 · answer #1 · answered by Laurie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh you know Rats make the best pets, I hate that they have such a bad name.
I say go for it, they are so sweet and smart and fun.
Stop buying from the same store, most Rats at a pet store are breed in captivity (a very good thing, keeps down on rabies and other harmful things), however as a result, many of those come from the same littler and will have the same health problems. So I would almost bet if you bought even from the same area, that is what has happened.
It's not you, trust me...the fact you have even taking your little fellas to a vet let me know you love the little guys.
Get back up on your horse, try a different dealer and be happy with your new baby.
2006-10-28 13:49:37 · answer #2 · answered by ******************** 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you truley love rats, then yes, you should get a new one. A few bad experiences should not sore your love of them. I have owned several rats (a big albino jumbo Stu {short for Stuart, he was a tiny little rat when I bought him so I named him after Stuart Little}, a medium rat named Odd Ball {she was all white except for a big black spot on her back}, a tan rat named Goldie {hey, my neice named her}, and a reddish brown one named Fox {my Mom was a big X-Files freak}) and none of mine ever got a tumor. If you have been getting your rats at the same store, you should think about getting rats from a different pet shop. Or maybe do what I did and instead of using tap water from the sink, by bottled water and try that. Some chemicals in tap water may not cause tumors in humans, but in some animals. Another thing you might want to try is changing the food if you have been feeding them the same brand of food. Either way and whatever you choose, don't beat yourself up. Your disappointment and fear that they may get tumors is felt by them. Time is short, for people and rats alike, make the most of it and love them always.
2006-10-28 12:34:24 · answer #3 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So sorry! It happens no matter if it came from a breeder or a pet store. I love ratties! I have had at least 40 in the past ten years! Short life or not my ratties were the best! I miss one that passed on 4 years ago and she had tumors also! Don't let anyone say that ratties aren't the best! Get another one and love it! I have taken mine to the vet for tumors and stuff. Hey that $5 dollar rattie is still my pet! Try and get babies though. I know they all are cute!!!!
2006-10-28 23:02:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Female rats are more prone to getting tumors. Maybe your pet store got a bad bunch of rats. Anyway, make sure you don't give your rats too many treats, and when you do, give them greens, dog bones, or other healthy stuff. You might also what to consider getting two rats (of the same sex) so they can have company. Rats HATE being alone. It's not in their nature. Good luck.
2006-10-28 18:55:59 · answer #5 · answered by dinosaurbess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For starters...most pet-grade rats offered by pet stores are so inbred and overbred that they are now immuno-deficient and thus very susceptible to cancer and other diseases. I'd try a different source for your next one.
And I realize it's a pet, but please tell me you aren't wasting money on vet bills for a $5 rat that, even if healthy, is only going to live a couple of years at the most anyway...
2006-10-28 12:32:48 · answer #6 · answered by answerman63 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Are you getting them from a breeder? There might be something wrong with the way they handle things. I'd try buying from a different place.
2006-10-28 12:48:21 · answer #7 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
More details
2006-10-28 14:28:19 · answer #8 · answered by coca_cola_froggy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
sure thats one more off the streets
2006-10-28 12:28:51 · answer #9 · answered by judge_smails_sir 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
maybe it's something you are feeding your rats?
2006-10-28 12:31:18 · answer #10 · answered by inauspicious 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋