Flossie's Tumours - here we go again. (pics added post 9)

[Miss Z]

I meant to make a post about this much earlier, but never really had the time.

Flossie has not one but two mammary tumours. I first noticed them as raised, firm areas underneath her skin in mid-May, and by now they have pretty much quadrupled in size. They are both situated between her hind legs.

So far, she seems to be coping well. I haven't (yet) noticed any loss of mobility, nor any paralysis, so if there's a pituatary tumour there also, as was probably the case with Tia, it hasn't taken effect yet.

In herself she is bright and active, and still gets about both on the horizontal and the vertical, and will still jump off things and scare the life out of me, silly girl. :p

She eats like a pig - she's really loving being on this higher-calorie diet she's now getting! :rolleyes:

It made my heart sink when I discovered the tumours, knowing that I'm going to have to go through all this a second time around. Yet, I suppose this is just the bane of keeping rats. And I wouldn't go without a little fuzzy rattie face peering at me each morning when I get up.

The only consolation is that at least I'll know that I'm doing everything right for her with regards to her care as she degenerates. With Tia I was in unknown territory.

I'm overdue on pics, I know, and I'll try to get them up soon.

[Killearn Kitties]

Lots of healthy vibes coming Flossie's way from here. I hope she stays confortable for a good while yet. :love:

[Christmas_Hamster]

Awww. :( That's the suckie part of girl rats they are so prone to tumours.

I hope little Flossie is ok. *hugs* Give her scritches for me.

[Casper]

(((((Hugs)))))!
I am sorry you are having to go through this again. At least Flossie will be getting the best care possible. She is lucky she has such a great mum!


My last two remaining girls both have tumors at the moment. Pocky's is nearly the size of a ping pong ball, but it has not affected her in the slightest. Its been nearly two months and she is still going strong.


Good vibes headed that way for beautiful Flossie. :love:

[Miss Z]

Thanks everyone. :love:

Courtney, I'm glad Pocky is coping so well. Rats are so amazing and resilient, aren't they? Makes me feel embarassed sometimes when I let little problems weigh me down whilst Flossie's just getting on with life. I hope both your girls stay healthy and happy for much longer yet. :love:

[Zippy]

Flossie will be in my prayers. :(
I am so sorry you have to go thorw this again.

[moosmom]

Zara,

You and Flossie will be in my thoughts and prayers, honey.

[Karen]

Aww, I hope she stays comfortable and happy for a long time to come.

[Miss Z]

Thanks everyone. As promised, here are some pics of the little girl.

In her hammock that she loves to sleep in :)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/Miss_Z_rat_luver/FlossieAugust09002.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/Miss_Z_rat_luver/FlossieAugust09003.jpg

You can see one of the tumours quite clearly in this one. It sort of sticks out a bit when she sits on her haunches.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/Miss_Z_rat_luver/FlossieAugust09007.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/Miss_Z_rat_luver/FlossieAugust09013.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/Miss_Z_rat_luver/FlossieAugust09014.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/Miss_Z_rat_luver/FlossieAugust09016.jpg

LOL, like owner, like pet, it seems. :p

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/Miss_Z_rat_luver/FlossieAugust09017.jpg

Best friends! Ick, I don't like my hair scraped off my face that much, haha.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/Miss_Z_rat_luver/FlossieAugust09031.jpg

That's all. You can see that she's lost a bit of condition since I last posted pics of her, but overall for an old lady she's still looking quite divine, and has retained her baby-face even up til now!

[Casper]

There is that beautiful girl! :love: I am happy to see Flossie is still doing well. She has to be one of the prettiest rats. I love how she has the lighter blue color opposed to the darker variety.

By the way, how old is Flossie now? It seems like just yesterday you added her to the family.

[Miss Z]

By the way, how old is Flossie now? It seems like just yesterday you added her to the family.

Flossie turned 2 years old on the 3rd August. She had her own little cake that I baked for her covered in small-animal-friendly chocolate drops (which she goes crazy for) :D.

I suppose it doesn't seem that long ago since I was posting her introduction thread! To me I forget what it was like not to have her, or Tia, around. Once you have rats you never go back. :p

[Whisk_Luva]

Aww I am sorry to hear about Flossie's tumours :(....

She is still as gorgeous as ever though :)

[Miss Z]

I made some Eton Mess last night and naturally couldn't leave Floss out ;)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/Miss_Z_rat_luver/FlossiesEtonMess.jpg