My rat had tumor surgery: How to care for her & when do stitches heal?

Thank you for your question about Shadow. The most common tumors that occur in the belly/leg regions of rats are mammary tumors. Based on the location that you described, this may be the case with Shadow. The reason I bring this up is because it is very common for these tumors to be like a ball under the skin, and only have a small string of tissue that connects it to the body. So, when they are removed surgically, they shell out very easily once the skin has been cut. There is the potential that after the skin become necrotic that the tumor was able to "fall out" of the defect left in the skin. The other alternative is that it could be becoming very heavy and stretching the areas of skin to make it appear like it has pushed itself out. I would recommend taking Shadow back to your veterinarian, as they may be able to remove this more easily now. This may be a good idea regardless, due to the necrotic tissue that you had described. I didn't see if that was still present now, but they can provide her with antibiotics, if they are indicated, at the same time. I hope that helps to answer your question, and congratulations on having a three year old rat. It says a lot about your care of her.

Just make sure to keep an eye on it and try to clean it very gently at least once a day with warm water and a mild soap, you can use a gauze pad to do this. Dry it carefully and then apply your topical treatment. However, if this stresses him out too much, just continue as you have been doing. Make sure his toes stay pink and warm and he keeps getting better. If anything at all changes for the worse, swelling, weeping wound, loss of appetite or activity level, if his toes change color or get cold, get him back in to see your vet right away. It sounds like you're doing a good job caring for his injury.

Usually once the incision has healed you would not expect further changes to the skin. Blood vessels beneath the skin may have been damaged leading to bleeding and bruising, or she may have rubbed the still delicate tissue. To be sure I would take her back to the vet so they can check the site and ensure it does not require any treatment.

Hi. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. From the pictures the incision looks ok; though be sure you are monitoring at home make sure there is no discharge, opening of the incision, swelling, heat or redness at the incision line. Make sure that Yuki isn't licking or chewing at the incision. Do not clean or wipe the incision line as this can irritate it and cause Yuki to try to lick. Do no apply any medications. If you notice any swelling or discharge, please take her back to the veterinarian. Also monitor that she is eating, drinking and urinating/defecating normally. The incision line will take 10-14 days to heal.

As she recovers from surgery, the best things that you can do to help her recover as seamlessly as possible include giving her the pain medication prescribed by her vet, keeping an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent licking of the incisions, and restricting her activity for the next 10-14 days. Keep Tashi indoors exclusively during her recovery and try to prevent her from running, jumping, or playing until her sutures are removed - typically 10-14 days after surgery. Keep a close eye on her incisions for any redness, discharge or swelling, and call your vet if you notice any of these changes. If Tashi still seems painful (lethargic, eating less, vocalizing), call your vet to discuss additional pain medications, but do not give her any human medications as none are safe for cats. I hope this helps and that Tashi is feeling better soon!

Congrats on your new rat Merle, but I'm sorry he has lost an arm! I would keep any eye on the scab for signs of infection, which include redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, and pus. If you see any of those signs, then I would take him into the vet for an exam and antibiotics. Otherwise, given that he is eating, drinking, and cleaning himself, I would leave it be and enjoy your new pet :-)

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The incision looks ok and if she is eating/drinking and playing well then it sounds like she is healing well. Sleeping more after surgery is normal. Watch for signs of vomiting, weakness, not eating, not drinking, discharge from the incision (blood, yellow/green), or pain/redness/swelling around the site. If these occur have her back to your vet. Otherwise, it sounds like she is doing well. Just make sure she can't lick at the incision, and if she is licking get an E-collar to prevent it, other than that there is nothing to speed up the healing. Best of luck with your girl.