Weezy (left) had surgery today to remove a good-sized mammary tumor we just discovered with the help of Robert & Jess visiting today. Geri -- just two months old -- had what appeared to be a tumor already but it turned out to be an abscess near her stomach and intestines. We were concerned for both but they made it through anesthesia just fine. Now begins the recovery! Oh, and feel free to help out on the surgery costs. :)

Unfortunately, Minnie has left us for better places. We are clueless why she passed but are presuming it may be something genetic. We weigh our rats weekly and with her most recent weigh-in noticed a loss of some weight rather than the moderate growth we expected. That morning she was fine, energetic and no other symptoms we could detect. That evening, however, she was bad enough to need fluids along with antibiotics. Fluids and more meds the following morning, but by the evening she was gone. Rest well, girl!

We had Charlie neutered a few days ago. He came back to us after the original adopted found out he was being relocated. Since he came to us as a solo rat we looked to introduce him in with some of our existing boys. Unfortunately, Charlie's testosterone was raging. A few days later, now, and he is beginning to work through introductions with Crockett, Tubbs, and Ray. He will be up for adoption again once he heals up, but of course his adoption fee will be increased by the cost of his neuter. No problem if he stays with us, he's one of our favorites!

Additionally, Leia and one of our other recent rescues had surgery to remove mammary tumors. If you'd care to donate to help defer some of the cost, it would be much appreciated!

Considering the recent news on rat bite fever, I thought I would post some information and some links to information about it.

Rat-bite fever is a rare disease spread by infected rodents.

Most people get rat-bite fever through contact with urine or secretions from the mouth, eye, or nose of an infected animal. This most commonly occurs though a bite, yet some cases may occur simply through contact with these secretions.

Symptoms are fairly similar to flu symptoms with the addition of a possible rash. 

It would be prudent if you are seeing your healthcare provider about flu-like symptoms, you should mention you have rats (assuming you indeed DO have rats.)

Links:
The CDC
The Rat Fan Club (Debbie Ducommun)