When you have an emergency...

[BabyBlue]

I've noticed a number of recent posts where a rat is having some serious health problem and the owner is asking for help. I just wanted to remind everyone that none of us here is a vet, and we're not qualified to give out medical advice on such emergencies. This forum has many members who are very knowledgeable with rat care, and some even in vet school, but even then you cannot expect anyone here to give you medical advice just on what you described on the net.

If your rat is having serious health problems BRING HIM TO THE VET!!! Do not waste your time posting about it and waiting for answers if your rat is in pain and bleeding to death. There is NOTHING we can do about a rat who's in such serious condition, even if we were vets we couldn't help you over the net.

I'm glad people are asking questions and coming here for information, but when you have an emergency we cannot replace vet care, and all we can tell you is to bring him in right away.

I'm not criticizing anyone in particular, but it would be ridiculous for me to come here and say,

"I broke my leg and there's a bone sticking out and I'm bleeding like crazy. What should I do?"

And when someone tells me to go to the emergency room I reply with,

"I can't right now because I can't get a ride. Is there something I can do at home?" :huh:

[Anna]

EXXCEELENT point. Part of being a responsible pet owner is getting a sick or injured animal to the vet in a timely manner.

[Noe]

I've also noticed a lot of people who say they don't know any good vets in their area. Part of being a responsible pet owner is also being prepared for emergencies. This means asking around and talking to different vets until you find one you feel comfortable with. It means knowing where the 24-hour emergency vet nearest you is. It means, if you don't have a car at your disposal, preparing a contingency plan in case you need to go to the vet at night. And of course, it means having lots of money saved, or an emergency credit card for vet use only.

If you're a kid, discuss a plan with your parents. If you need money or transportation, know in advance that you can count on them for a ride or a loan. If you're an adult, be ready to either rent a car, or know the bus schedule, or have a friend who has agreed to take you in an emergency.

Don't wait until the worst has happened. Do it now, and it will save you a world of grief later.

Edited to add a link to this very helpful article: Finding a Good Rat Vet by Debbie "the Rat Lady" Ducommun

[Ensie]

Don't wait until the worst has happened. Do it now, and it will save you a world of grief later.

Absolutely. This is the first thing, before anything else . . . even before getting an animal: find a vet, arrange a ride, and set $$$ aside. If it's not possible or too much of an inconvenience, don't get the animal.

[pigsandrats]

This is also important.

Keep the vets and emergency phone numbers on the wall next to the phone, or somewhere where they can be found QUICKLY.
Have you ever tried fumbling through a phone book during an emergency? Not fun, I speak from experience. So keep those numbers handy!!!!

[dfmoosemom]

Another handy piece of advice - It never hurts to have a BACKUP vet.

When my boy Vincent became sick, I called the vet's office only to find out that it was my doctor's day off and none of the other vets in the office would see a rat.  

Luckily, they did refer me to another vet who specializes in exotics.  Plus I know of a third local vet who is gaining experience with exotics.  So I now have a backup in case of emergency and/or a source for a second opinion.

[DebW]

I also have 2 vets.  I have one locally and one I travel about 50 minutes to get to.  The local one isn't an exotic vet and has taken care of my cats for years.   She loves my rats and she and her vet tech are very willing to try to help and learn.  They have Debbie D's health care book and a copy of the drug chart.  My other vet handles more difficult things and surgeries.  

You can often find a regular vet who is willing to try to help in an emergency.

[Lone Star Rats]

MOST vets who don't treat "exotics" (including rats) WILL if it is a true emergency.  In most "crisis" type situations (i.e. a large cut, labored breathing) all animal care is essentially the same.. with rats it's just on a smaller scale.

That said, my ER vet will say that they WILL NOT treat rats if you call them up on the phone.. but show up with one, and they will do whatever they can (these are very kind and caring people, I wouldn't expect all vets to be the same).

I would not actually expect this vet to be able to handle an emergency c-section, but they could surprise me if the need ever arises.  Luckily my "regular" vet is open from 7am to 7pm every day of the week except Sunday, and if I call late, before they close, they can stay after hours in an emergency if they know to expect me.

[Ensie]

A lot of vets have emergency-call service as well. This is something to ask about. I know that my regular vet does. He once came in on a Sunday to take care of an emergency situation with one of my rats. He charged emergency rates, but I didn't care. I knew that if anybody could pull my rat through, my vet could.

[elegy]

it also helps to have a well-established relationship with your vet before the big emergency. where i work, our doctors are in 7:30-7:30 monday through friday and 7:30-3 on saturday, but exceptions are sometimes made for good, well-known clients. joe shmoe calling will be told to go to the emergency clinic. but someone who has been a good client for a number of years might be told to come in as soon as they can and ring the front bell.

[kmw]

I think this thread contains some VERY useful information presented very well.  So, I'm making it a sticky.  

[FattusRattus]

This thread contains excellent advice. Early in the week, when Myra first had her stroke, I called one of my (two) regular vets. He didn't handle exotics, but said he would take a look anyway. He's a terrific vet, but to be honest that wasn't very comforting. Fortunately he was able to give me a recommendation of a GREAT small animal vet only 10 minutes from my house. I was so lucky! ("Lucky" being the operative word; I won't ever take that risk again.)
The moral of the story is, even if you have a regular vet, don't take it for granted that s/he treats exotics. Do the research BEFORE the emergency arises. Thankfully I didn't waste more than 5 minutes or so being re-routed to a vet who specializes in small animals, but I could have. And I thought I was prepared!
Thanks for all the terrific advice.

[Ziggy]

I don't think people post here as an alternative to vet attention if it's serious, that IS unacceptable. However, I know I certainly post here to get advice and peace of mind WHILE WAITING for the vet appointment or to find out if a vet visit is even necessary. Not everyone comes here expecting vet advice, they use their vet! But people come here for help in the meantime.

[BabyBlue]

I don't think people post here as an alternative to vet attention if it's serious, that IS unacceptable. However, I know I certainly post here to get advice and peace of mind WHILE WAITING for the vet appointment or to find out if a vet visit is even necessary. Not everyone comes here expecting vet advice, they use their vet! But people come here for help in the meantime.

Oh so do I. Even if I know my rat needs a vet care, and I already made an appointment, just by sharing with everyone and getting advice I feel more confident when I actually go into the vet's office and it helps me emotionally to know that I have the support of everyone here.

But unfortunately there have been people who come here with EMERGENCIES that needs IMMEDIATE vet care, and there is nothing we can do for them

[Rose]

Very excellent point!   I feel so lucky to have a great veterinary hospital (aka "the House of God")  that's open 24/7.

[Kmryan]

Yes - I am a newbie!  But this post was so refreshing!  I have not posted in a few days so that I could go through previous and hopefully answer some of my more basic questions  

I was really shocked at the amount of "Emergency" questions!!  I am not at all trying to be mean    It is just that I am a lifetime pet owner and my family has always been in vet care, kennels, boarding, grooming and very involved with DDFL here in Denver. The first rule I always go by is know as much as you can first. have 2 vets second and lots of love!!  

I still have questions that come up daily on my new babies, but I also have had them to the vet (well check-up for new babies!) and watch closly.

As a newbie it can be very intimidating to read all of the posts and feel as if we may have got in to something we can't handle  

All in all you are all great, and I will be here a long time!  

Hope you don't mind my imput!  

[mollys]

People often do not realize that rats are "exotics" and many vets won't see them.  I was suprised when I started calling around how many local vet offices do not have someone who will treat a rat.

[BoscoNYPD]

I love my rat to death

[WS]

It seems to me that over the last few years there has been improvement in attitudes within the veterinary community about "exotics" in general and more and more vets are respectful and interested in treating small animals and rats.  - A good hint is asking to speak with the vet tech or doctor.... your front desk receptionist may or may not know if the doctor will see rats and might make an assumption on the phone.

Take your pet to the vet immediately if you notice:

*unconsciousness, disorientation, or spastic movements

*bleeding

*immobility: sudden impaired movement in any limbs, lameness, swelling of limbs

*traumatic injury such as, wounds, lacerations, attack by another animal, fall, being stepped on, etc.

*exposure to the elements: extreme heat or cold

*foreign bodies or injury to the eyes:  discharge, swelling, cloudiness of lens

*blood in mucous, stools, urine, anus, genitals

*ingestion of poisonous materials (plants, household cleansers, anti-freeze)

*gasping for breath

*fingers, nails, toes, gums and ears turning pale or blue

*sudden uncommon lethargy, inactivity, refusal to eat or drink

See your vet prompty if you notice:

upper respiratory symptoms including: frequent sneezing coughing, clicking, or rattling sounds in the chest;  churring or purring sounds;  runny nose or red stains around the nose (porphyrin) porphyrin stains around the eyes, runny eyes;  squinty eyes;  hunched posture;  lack of appetite or interest in drinking water

*slight blood in mucous, stools, urine, anus, genitals

*weight loss, intermittent diarrhea or constipation, chronic intestinal symptoms:  persistent diarrhea,  reduced appetite,  persistent constipation

*unusual swelling in any part of the body or unusual discharge

*lumps or tumors

*hair loss, scabs, or persistent scratching

*gradual impairment of limbs, hind limb paralysis, lameness

*changes in behaviour or other unusual health symptoms