When my rats are full grown, can I fix them and how much do you think it costs? My previous rat died of a mammorary tumor and I don't want that to happen to my little girls. What is the risks of fixing and do you think its worth it?
2007-11-01 17:40:53 · 6 answers · asked by Jenn 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
You sure can. I don't know how many general practice vets are comfortable doing it, so you may need to find someone who works with 'exotics' or 'pocket pets'.
It is a little different to desexing in cats and dogs- 'fixing' a rat usually just involves removal of the ovaries (rather than the ovaries and uterus) as the major focus of the surgery is to reduce the risk of mammary cancer, and it is a less traumatic surgery. The risk is fairly low- probably not much different from having a dog or cat desexed.
ADDED: Forgot to mention when I replied earlier... the surgery can be done quite easily by a vet without much 'pocket pet' experience, but it's important they realise the differences between these little guys and dogs & cats. Wound closure is the big one- putting skin sutures on rats (also mice, ferrets, etc.) is asking for trouble. The vet needs to do intradermals (meaning the the stitches holding the skin layer together are dissolving, and buried just under the skin) and/or use special tissue glue. Otherwise the risk of the rat worrying at its stitches and opening up the wound is very high!
I'm not sure how much it would cost, but I would guess probably in the range of $120-$150.
See if there are any rat clubs in your area- they are probably the best people to recommend a vet to you.
2007-11-01 17:55:40 · answer #1 · answered by Loz 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can have your rats fixed -- in fact, it is a good idea. I've recently started having my girls spayed -- BUT -- you have to do when they are YOUNG, about 4-5 months old. Otherwise they will not get the full benefit of the surgery and might still get mammary tumors.
ALL surgery is risky, but in this case, I believe it's worth it. Just make SURE you get a good vet.
Good luck.
2007-11-01 18:08:08 · answer #2 · answered by luvrats 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i definitly think its worth it! as of cost, im not sure it depends on the vet. just make sure to look around and make sure they have experience operating on rats. also, it may be best to do it before they are full grown, but i would talk to the vet. good luck!
2007-11-01 17:44:51 · answer #3 · answered by animluv 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have three rats, two female, and one male. (he's hairless!) I had him neutered so he could hang out with the girls that he sooo much wanted. Cost: $90. Well, he now has no libido and prefers his own cage! ha!
2007-11-02 04:53:41 · answer #4 · answered by zen 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They need to be young and healthy when it is done, if they are too old they may died on the operating table
2007-11-02 00:32:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mmm... Good question... I suggest you to ask the exotic vet to find out.
2007-11-01 17:47:24 · answer #6 · answered by Ava 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋