Ophelia *UPDATE post #11*

[Casper]

I am sad to report that Ophelia might be in her last moments of life on this earth. For those who don't know, Ophie is my little dumbo rattie gal I have had ever since she was just a few weeks old. Out of my females she has the biggest bond with me. Last night I found blood all over the females' bedding. I soon found that Ophelia was bleeding from her lower area... possibly from around her anus. I cleaned her up but could not locate exactly where she was bleeding from. That night I separated her from the other females. By morning she had bled just a little bit but she had eaten and drank a bit so I was not all that worried.
I came home this evening to find that she is very wobbly and unsteady on her feet, yet still alert enough to try to come to me when she saw me. This broke my heart. I gave her some Nutri-Cal, but that is all I can do right now.

On top of that, Garber is having medical issues, too. He is the rat I recently made this thread about after he had a tumor removed. Now he is having trouble breathing. He went to the vet yesterday but the vet was not able to give a certain diagnosis. A radiography study showed that both of his lungs are inflated. We have antibiotics in case it is pneumonia, but there is a possibility that his lungs are permanently damaged and that there is not all that much we can do. Garber has a very strong bond with me, too. He is such a big, lovable guy and it is so hard to see him not at 100%. He is eating and drinking fine and can still get around great, but I am not certain how long he actually has.

Both rats are one month away from being three years old and both are my babies. I know this very well may be their time to go... three is a good age for a rat, but it still tears me up inside that I am feeling so helpless... I have been crying off and on all evening and just can't seem to stop.

Ophie and Garber could really use some good ol' PT Prayers if you have any to spare. They sure would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Casper]

I don't know if anyone has even seen this thread, but I will update anyhow.

Garber seems a bit wore down today. He is not terribly fatigued, but I can tell he is not as active as he has been. He is still eating and drinking, which is good, and he took his meds without much fuss. I was sitting in there with him this evening and the thought ran through my mind: Will it come to a point where euthanasia is the most humane thing for him? After pondering that for some time I figured that I will make that decision once the time comes. Right now he still has that twinkle in his eyes and I do not feel it is time. Then again, if he ends up going on his own it will not be a shock.

Ophelia made it through the night. Honestly, I was very surprised and overjoyed to see that! I can tell that she has eaten and saw her take a drink this afternoon, which is good. Unfortunately, she is still unsteady. When she saw me she tried running to me but fell over on her side. It seems a bit better than last night. I will continue to give her Nutri-Cal and see if there is any more progress. I really think she had lost too much blood that one night and that she is trying her hardest to recover. I do feel bad for having to separate her from her sister, but putting Ophie in the smaller "hospital" cage is what is best for now. I certainly do not feel safe putting Ophie back in a multi-level cage any time soon.

This seems to have turned into more of a venting thread for me. *sigh* I am pretty darned stressed right now and it feels good to get some of my feelings out with typing.

I will probably update this every day or so just in case anyone is lurking. I still appreciated the prayers.
Thank you.

[chocolatepuppy]

I'm sorry I didn't see this last night. I will keep Ophelia and Garber in my prayers. It must be so hard to have them both sick at the same time. {hugs}

[Casper]

Thanks so much for the well wishes. It means alot to me.


Well, good news concerning Ophelia! This evening she has made a drastic improvement in that she hardly seems unsteady on her feet at all. I am almost confident in saying that she has gotten away from the wobbles all together! :-D Hopefully all continues to improve from here. Honestly, she seems very much back to her old self. She has been eating a ton. Each time I go to check on them she is munching away. I am so happy to see my little gal feeling better.

Garber is still not improving that much. He has his ups and downs. I noticed he had not eaten as much as normal today. Fingers crossed that tomorrow is better for the little guy...

[Moesha]

I've been reading and waiting for updates. I was scared for Ophelia. This is great news that she seems to be feeling better. I'm sorry to hear that Garber is still not well.

[chocolatepuppy]

It's good to hear Ophelia is feeling better. Hopefully Garber will feel a bit better soon.

[Casper]

Thanks for keeping up with this, you two. Its nice to know that you have been thinking of my two "babies".

Ophelia is still doing good. Each time I have gone in to check on them this evening she has been sleeping, but I can tell that she is still eating and drinking normally. As long as she does not decline again, than I am happy! I don't want to get my hopes up, but she just might make it to her 3rd birthday.

Garber, on the other hand, is getting worse. I don't believe this is going to turn around and get better. None of his medications are working. If he makes it through the night I have a feeling tomorrow he will make his final trip. The life seems to be draining out of him and I think he might be ready.

[Moesha]

Oh dear. I'll hope for good things for Garber, and if that doesn't happen, at least he won't be suffering or in pain.

[chocolatepuppy]

I'm sorry Garber isn't doing better. {hugs}

[Casper]

Garber passed away this morning.
Here is his memorial thread.

[Casper]

*UPDATE*
Sorry I have not been around much to update lately.
Ophelia made a trip to the vets a while back and we found out what her diagnosis is. It is what I thought it was going to be... an ovarian tumor. At the moment it is about the size of a walnut and it is not operable. It is already causing blood clots and poor circulation. She is an amazing little rat, though. She is still acting 100% normal.
The vet gave us pain meds to give to her and basically told us to take her home and spoil her, and once we feel it is time then to have her PTS. She does not have long, though... and as soon as she starts to decline then it will be time to help her to the RB. I have a feeling it might be sometime during this coming week.
Until then I am cherishing every second.


Here is a picture taken yesterday when she was out in the playpen with the other two girls. They were making a mess scattering babyfood all over the place.

[Moesha]

Give that sweet little one extra attention and loving. Make wonderful memories to add to those that you already have. Treasure your time together and keep us updated please.

[Casper]

Ophelia passed away this morning.

Moesha, I certainly did just that. I am at peace with her passing, knowing I did all I could and I gave all.

And a final thanks to anyone who had both her and Garber in their prayers while they were ill. I am forever appreciative!