My last little rattie is dying

[OrmIrian]

Scooter is about 2.5 yrs old and is slowly giving up the ghost. As with all the others she just seems to lose the use of some of her limbs, eat less and then slowly drift off. We are feeding her dilute juice with a pipette and washing her every day. She is now curled up in her bed and more or less unconscious. Only a matter of time.

I panicked when our previous rattie started as I had dreadful memories of this before. I will never stop feeling guilty about taking her to be PTS when she was still able to move her front legs and quite lively. The vet asked me if I wanted to treat her but my experience told me it wouldn't work so I just asked him to euthanase her. I regretted it almost immediately. So I decided Scooter would be allowed to go in her own time in her own home. Not sure if this is right either but she is still bruxing quietly away to herself in her 'sleep.

No more ratties for me. I can't do this again.

I've not had rats but lots of GPs.

They all went within 24 hours of being fine then gone.

I think as long as they are quiet and you judge them to be comfortable-ie no pain- then just let them stay where they are familiar and let nature takes it's course.

If she's in a deep sleep it sounds like she's already winding down (The GPs went all floopy and couldn't hold themselves against our chest , like their backbone had dissolved.And a snuffly, grunty noise)

I had my cat PTS because I was worried she'd go off somewhere to die, she was near the end.

You can keep an eye on Scooter and see how she goes. It is the worst part of pet ownership, but think, you've given her a good 2.5 years. You can let her have a peaceful end.

Thanks 70.

It's so hard to know what to do for the best.

Over the years since DS1 had his first 2 rats, I have fallen in love with them, but also sadly developed a quite nasty allergy. Hence the decision to have no more. So sad about that. They are such characters.

Had GPs when I was little and loved them too.

:( So sad!

I haven't had to say goodbye to any small furries yet. Dhammy is 20mths and seems happy and healthy (despite a few scares), but they go downhill so fast. Its such a shame!

Just think that they had a good life with you and were happy!

She finally went last night. She had been unconscious for days - we kept her warm and stroked her every now and again. I know that maybe we should have has her PTS but she was peaceful. Came home yesterday to find her cold Wept buckets. Felt quite guilty as DD has just found out one of her best friends has cancer and it seemed so petty. We're burying her under the holly tree.

poor Scooter. It sounds like her last days were peaceful though. I think with animals you know when to let nature do it's thing and when to intervene, and if she was quiet and in no distress, it's best just to let them fade.

Your poor DD though, sounds like she's got alot to deal with emotionally at the moment.