Tia has a tumour... (Sad Update)

[My Peanuts]

Any updates on Tia? I hope she is doing well.

[Miss Z]

Any updates on Tia? I hope she is doing well.

Thanks, Diana, I'd forgotten that I needed to update this thread.

Yes, she seems to be getting through life quite comfortably, but I must say she has slowed down a lot physically. I think I recognise this purely as old age kicking in rather than the result of the tumour, although I don't suppose it's helping. Of course, there's life in the old rat yet, she's still keep to wander around my room and come and sit on my lap in the garden when weather permits us to do so, but she's no where near as lively and wriggly as she once was and is much more content to sit still and be fussed over than ever before. I've also noticed that she has a bit of bother getting up the ramps to the different levels of her cage; almost dragging herself up on the ladder, which is quite steep, and I have helped her up on a few occasions. Once she's level again, she moves normally except her steps are ever so slightly more laboured. I wondered, do rats sometimes suffer from artheritis? I've checked her over and she definitely has no injuries to any of her limbs, but I have noticed for some time her back legs do seem stiffer than they used to be.

Good news is, though, the tumour is barely bigger since the last update. I think the only growth since then has been a small, peppercorn sized protrusion forming on the original tumour mass, but other than that, it's the same. It doesn't seem to cause her any pain or discomfort at all, so I'm hoping that the tumour is not overly aggressive and will be a slow-grower.

Thanks for the continued support, everyone.

[Alysser]

It sucks when they get older. I am sorry Tia seems to have slown down a bit, but with you I'm sure she will get the proper care she needs. Good luck to you both!!

[Miss Z]

She's worse. All of a sudden.

I don't know why I didn't think of this before, but I think the tumour has spread to her brain. The stiffness isn't artheritis, it's paralysis. It started in her tail, and it's steadily moving up her spinal column. She's been acting odd recently, like she's vacant, and been doing things that are unlike her, such as momentarily pausing and chattering to herself, bulging her eyes and wetting herself in her sleep. Only in the last few hours she's been so lethargic and she's keeping movement to an absolute minimum.

She still eats and drinks and as far as I'm aware is passing urine and faeces, but she can no longer hold her food in her front paws as her back paws are too weak to support her. Just an hour ago, she was eating something from her food bowl and suddenly started to choke as she had evidently eaten the last chunk in one gulp. It was one of the scariest moments of my life, for at least 3 minutes she lay gasping before I think she did manage to cough it back up and chew it. I can't let her live like this, what if that happens again when I'm not around?

She can barely turn herself in her bed to get comfy, I have to help her do so. It's no way for her to live, and she seems so far gone, I think nothing's really going to help her now. My mum will be getting her prescription of antibiotics tomorrow in the faint hope that they'll do some good, but somehow I doubt it. I have made my decision that if she is no better than this in 3-4 days, then I cannot continue her suffering any longer. It's not fair to Tia, and she comes first.

I think the end may be near.

[My Peanuts]

I'm so sorry Zara. I always say this, but one of the most wonderful things we can do for our pets is to end their suffering. Hang in there. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Tia.

Your PT family is here for you.

[Zippy]

Oh no
((((BIG HUGS)))))
Prayers and thoughts for you and Tia.

[Chilli]

I haven't been on much, and it breaks my heart to come back to see this.
Major (((((hugs)))) & positive vibes headed your way. You both will continue to be in my thoughts.
I'm hoping for all the best.

[Alysser]

Zara, I really don't know what to say but I know you will make the best decision for Tia and you're taking wonderful care of her. (((HUGS)))