https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 13:00:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1424284 Wed, 14 Jan 2015 13:09:25 +0000 Deborah 1424284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, I am so sorry to hear about your little ones. You are in my thoughts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1424032 Wed, 14 Jan 2015 00:27:13 +0000 Kari 1424032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much for your care, Buiscuitsmom. I know you have so much love for your pets and have been through losses of your own recently. We feel lucky to have had Boo and Blinkin, but wish it could be for longer. At this point it's a judgment call of how long a happy, painless life they can have. At our vet's advice we are only attempting the treatments we think have a good shot at that goal, so we'll see how it goes. Thank you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1423958 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 22:41:00 +0000 biscuitsmom 1423958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so sorry....I know how horrible it is when furbabies are sick or you lose them :(&nbsp; Hope you take some comfort in knowing you did everything you could, and gave them the best life possible ((hugs)) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1423893 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 21:16:33 +0000 Kari 1423893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Adela, thank you-you are so right. They have been such fun little critters. I'm still hoping we can give Boo a little more time, but she's really unsteady and slow. Ear infections are hard to get rid of in an older animal, and pituitary tumors are fatal. Blinkin's tumor is growing a bit and is now slightly visible even without palpating the area, though she's still feisty and active. Even before this, they have spent much of their time sleeping. It breaks my heart to see them struggle. Boo basically is spending much of her day curled up in a tiny oval chocolate box, though she likes her flavored medications, and we are feeding her soft foods that don't require her to hold in two paws to eat, since she is too unsteady. She's living on ground level of the cage. Meanwhile Blinkin has turned the penthouse into a nest, pulling every paper in the cage upstairs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1423532 Tue, 13 Jan 2015 06:19:35 +0000 Adelfa 1423532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My daughter had rats from the time she was&nbsp;4 to 16. We went through what you're describing many times. Like you, we only tried surgery once. It was expensive and the tumors kept coming. I can tell you're doing everything to keep them comfortable! &nbsp;When it's time for them to go it is so hard and sad. But I remember those years with happiness--rats are amazing pets. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1422711 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 17:13:03 +0000 Kari 1422711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So am update: Boo has been put on antibiotics and has shown some improvement. I talked with the vet yesterday because Boo was still showing signs of pain/stress, and she agreed we should add an anti-inflammatory too. She seems more comfortable this morning. We haven't ruled out a pituitary tumor though, and there's not much we could do if that is what's going on. I hope she will continue to improve.<br /> Blinkin is still super perky and active; our hope is that the tumor grows slowly.<br /> I realized they will actually be 2 years old this month, based on how old they were when we got them in March 2013. It would be awesome if we can make it to 2 years with them, but we'll see. They are just at "that age" where things start to go wrong, and I don't wsnt anyone suffering in discomfort. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420899 Thu, 08 Jan 2015 17:16:13 +0000 Sara L. 1420899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, so sad about your rats!&nbsp; I've had other people tell me about what good pets they make, and they also lamented the short lifespans.&nbsp; I hope you start feeling better soon and are able to enjoy a little more time with your furry friends. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420890 Thu, 08 Jan 2015 17:02:10 +0000 rachylou 1420890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh no. What jackiec said. Y'all take it easy on yourselves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420889 Thu, 08 Jan 2015 16:55:10 +0000 Eliza 1420889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry for your losses and challenges. All the best with your cherished pets. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420560 Thu, 08 Jan 2015 00:27:55 +0000 jackiec 1420560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm sorry to hear about your little furbabies, Kari. It's been a rough ride for you lately and I wish you the best. Hug the wee ones </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420530 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 23:14:26 +0000 Kari 1420530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Update: we do have some good news. After looking awful last night (I was fully prepared to have to put her to sleep), Boo showed less signs of pain today before work. We still took videos at her worst last night to show thr dizziness. The vet thinks it is probably an inner ear infection and prescribed antibiotics to treat it. If not, we can try anti inflammatory meds too. It could be a fatal pituitary tumor but the vet thinks inner ear infection is probably more likely. </p> <p>The vet also affirmed our decision not to have Blinkin's tumor removed surgically. It is small but he could feel it had tendrils attached that would be tricky to fully remove and likely to grow again after surgery. We will make her as cozy as possible as long as we can. </p> <p>Una, the short lifespan is the worst part. I've heard of people whose rats live to 3 years but it is rare. My prior pets had to be put to sleep around 1.5-2 and 2-2.5 years old. Females are more prone to mammary and pituitary tumors than males, especially if they aren't spayed. (In our area a spay would be about $400 per rat!) Both sexes are prone to awful respiratory infections. But they are such sweet, fun pets for the short time that we have them. I hope we'll at least have a couple months with them both. We'll see how it goes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420488 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 21:42:19 +0000 harmonica 1420488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so sorry, Kari. *hugs* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420475 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 21:15:26 +0000 Caro in Oz 1420475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so sorry Kari, sending healing thoughts to help get you through this sad time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420463 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 20:46:40 +0000 Meredith 1420463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I'm so sorry. It doesn't matter how big or small a pet is, they bring so much enrichment and companionship to our lives. I know you'll embrace these last days and that they will be very loved little rats. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420459 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 20:39:05 +0000 Lyn D. 1420459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am sorry too Kari! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420439 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 19:38:56 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1420439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Kari - I'm so sorry to hear about Boo and Blinkin. We had a total of 4 ratties several years ago and loved them like crazy. I could not believe how incredibly intelligent, loving and social they were. I've heard them described as "little dogs" because of their personalities and I have to agree. But unfortunately the flip side is that their life expectancy is quite short. They have been so loved by you - enjoy the time you have with them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420437 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 19:37:07 +0000 deb 1420437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, I am sorry. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420407 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 18:32:37 +0000 Louise 1420407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry they're declining it's so sad when we have to say goodbye to our furbabies (((hugs))) x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420375 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 17:28:11 +0000 KikiG 1420375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so sorry. &nbsp;We had a series of pet rats, and I did get mammary surgery for one (and a guinea pig, at the same time). &nbsp;Happily, it was inexpensive. &nbsp;Unhappily, the rat's tumor recurred rapidly, just like your experience, and the rat died about a month later. &nbsp;Given what I know now, I probably wouldn't opt for surgery, but my children were small, and the surgery had more to do with meeting their emotional needs to feel that we were taking good care of their pets than cold, rational assessments. &nbsp;<br />I am so sorry you are going through a hard time. &nbsp;Be extra good to yourself, and extra gentle with all the people in your life.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420357 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 17:02:43 +0000 Ginkgo 1420357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hugs to you, Kari. Your rats have been dear friends and I've so enjoyed your photos of them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420339 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 16:20:54 +0000 Angie 1420339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's sooooooo hard to see our beloved pets decline and suffer. I'm sorry, Kari. I know you love these little creatures and it's very sad. Much love to you, and each day with your darlings is a gift. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420330 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 16:03:30 +0000 Isis 1420330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, I am very sorry.&nbsp; Rats are wonderful pets and have so much personality!&nbsp; I have had a number of rats as pets and finally had to stop as their life spans are so short.&nbsp; Yours have had a wonderful life with you; I have loved their pictures!&nbsp; I hope they get to stay a little longer with you...... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420326 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 15:49:58 +0000 catgirl 1420326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, I'm so so&nbsp;sorry - I know you love these little fuzzies, and from pics I've seen they are&nbsp;utterly endearing.</p> <p>You have convinced me not to get rats as pets, though - I couldn't handle that short of a life span for a loved pet.&nbsp; For some reason I thought they had more longevity.&nbsp; Our gecko has a 20 year life span!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420289 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 14:43:04 +0000 anne 1420289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am really sorry to hear about these troubles Kari. You are in my thoughts and prayers </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420256 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:55:39 +0000 Thistle 1420256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so sorry. It is always hard to say goodbye to a furry friend. They are our companions through thick and thin, bust most especially when times are tough, and saying goodbye to someone you love is when you need them most. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420242 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:43:28 +0000 Suz 1420242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry to hear this, Kari - it sounds tough. You've been a good companion to your rat friends. And they to you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420241 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:40:07 +0000 Alassë 1420241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm sorry, Kari. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-hard-timecritter-update#post-1420234 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:32:42 +0000 Kari 1420234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These last couple months have been so rough. My grandpa deteriorated quickly and passed away. Another close relative had a stroke soon afterwards. </p> <p>Around the same time our rats, who are close to 2 years old (that's elderly for rats), have started to decline. A few weeks ago I found a small tumor on Blinkin-based on the location it's likely a benign mammary tumor, but they can grow fast and large, and sadly, female rats are quite prone to them. On a past pet I had a tumor surgically removed and it grew back immediately after the rat recovered. Given Blinkin's age, the stress and pain of surgery, and the super high cost of the procedure from vets where we live, we are currently planning to let her live with it for as long as she can be comfortable. It is still small fortunately. </p> <p>So in the midst of worrying about Blinkin, suddenly her twin Boo has declined in the past few days. We noticed a little unusual weakness and clumsiness this past weekend, though nothing alarming. Suddenly last afternoon she seemed to be in bad shape-no balance, weakness in paws when trying to eat, circling or falling over when walking on flat, open floor, and signs of pain for a rat (porphyrin, rubbing fur away from her eyes, puffy fur.)<br /> Most likely it is a pituitary tumor (a fatal brain tumor), or possibly an ear infection or stroke. I'm hoping the vet might give us the best case scenario diagnosis today and that it's something we can treat, or at least delay symptoms, through steroids and antibiotics, but they may recommend putting her to sleep. Either way, we are likely going to need to say goodbye to them both very soon. I know they have short lifespans, but it still breaks my heart. </p> <p>Meanwhile work is busier than ever, and I've been sick with one cold after another since mid November. I'm so exhausted and am barely keeping up. I'm so tired of sad goodbyes.</p> <p>Update: we do have some good news. After looking awful last night (I was fully prepared to have to put her to sleep), Boo showed less signs of pain today before work. We still took videos at her worst last night to show thr dizziness. The vet thinks it is probably an inner ear infection and prescribed antibiotics to treat it. If not, we can try anti inflammatory meds too. It could be a fatal pituitary tumor but the vet thinks inner ear infection is probably more likely.<br /> The vet also affirmed our decision not to have Blinkin's tumor removed surgically. It is small but he could feel it had tendrils attached that would be tricky to fully remove and likely to grow again after surgery. We will make her as cozy as possible as long as we can. </p>