That doesn't look like an abscess to me. It looks like it could be either a wound, parasites or possibly both at the same site. He is definitely going to need vet care


I applaud Balego for rescuing this poor girl and seeking advice and I realize that she has gone above and beyond what most people would do. However, if this were a rescued dog or a cat in the same situation would you not expect their rescuer to get them veterinary attention?


The smothering idea is great. Because of the babies, I wouldn't try the bacon trick. There is too much risk of infection. The last thing you need or want is to lose the mum to infection.

Bev has an appointment at Bells Corner Vet Animal Hospital at 1:30 today!!!      I called them and spoke to them and even got quotes. 
She will email me when she gets back.   
Yay!!!

That is great news.

After all of this how is Bev ever going to be able to part with this little girl....

So glad that the wee girl is going to the vet. That's great news.

4?!?!?!    Poor girl...  I'm sure she's feeling much better now, though.  And someone needs to give that vet a kiss.    I imagine, if she ever catches the male, he'll need to go through much the same thing...  Poor dears. 

 
So glad to hear they are gone.  She must feel so much better.  Kudos to Bev and the vet!  Yes, we would love to see some pics of the babies!  Once again, what a wonderful thing you are doing for these ratties.  Good luck with the male.  At least now you know how to get rid of the nasties!!!

4?!?! in the same hole??!?!?  Oh my!  Nasty, nasty, nasty! 

I'm really happy that everything is going to be okay for her though!  If I could afford it, I would have offered to pay the bill, but we are so low on cash right now. 

I am back from the vet with Rennie, and wanted to update everyone and also express my deepest thanks and appreciation for the support and concern shown to me and Rennie over this last week or so. It has been a truly amazing experience, not only discovering such wonderful people who are willing to jump in and give help and advice, but to Rennie, who has opened my eyes and heart. I'll never forget this, nor will I forget her. Nor will I forget all of you, who have come forward here and even behind the scenes, there are so many of you that I havent even sorted out who you all are, but you have my most heartfelt thanks! What a terrific bunch of people you are!

The hurdle I had to get by today, with regards to getting Rennie to the vet, was not one of not being able to afford it,. but one of wanting to have the support of my husband. It isnt that he wouldnt put forth the funds, and we did have them. But a few years ago we went through a similar experience where someone else's neglect became a very long and emotional and expensive road for us. He was gunshy to go there again, and I can understand where he was coming from. He wasnt refusing... I hadnt gotten up the nerve to bring up the subject because he hasnt forgotten our last experience. I wont go into details of that, but I hope you all understand that when you are dependant on someone else financially, it can become touchy if they might not be quite as willing to go the mile that you (or I) are. As it turned out the cost was minimal.. that wasnt the issue, but we were pleasantly surprised.

So, on to Rennie. She indeed had warbles, and the vet removed four of them. The one huge one on her rear, the two most recent irruptions that I was praying were abscesses, and one on her belly. Those last three were small, just starting their cycle. She said there may be more that will come forward, and I can just squeeze them out of there and flush the area to keep it clean. She explained that the eggs are breathed in and travel through the lungs (if I'm understanding this correctly), and then find their way to the skin where they then burrow in to develop, until they eventually fall out and continue their life cycle. They are found mostly near rabbit burrows.

Rennie seems fine, I am to flush with saline three times a day and use the Betadine twice a day, and to call her if there is any concern. It was a very interesting learning experience for me and my husband, who I might say was just in awe when he saw what came out of her! A little bit replusion and a whole lot of fascination.  Right now the warbles are dying a nice slow death in a pill bottle on my desk here... my heart doesnt extend to saving warbles, thank goodness.

I will take and post photos in a while. My son, who tried to help me remove the botfly yesterday, has gone back to his home in Hamilton today and just called to say they had a safe trip. If it hadnt been for babies and botflies, Rennie would have been on her way with him to some of the most wonderful people on this board who came forward to offer a place for her. Right now, she needs to stay here until she and the babies are okay to travel.

As for the male.. 'Hobo'. He will no doubt have the same issues I'm sure. I am now convinced that the large scab on his side was a warble and it came out on its own. But there has to be more, no question in my mind. I continue each day to try to catch him. He is a challenge but as long as I keep seeing him I will keep trying. This is going to end one way or another and I am in it for the long haul.

I need to eat something. I need to just sit outside and watch the birds for a bit and then I'll take some photos.

Shelagh has been by my side the right from the beginning, and girl, you are the best of the best. I cannot find the words that adequately convey how greatful I am to you. I'm just so thankful that this roller-coaster of an experience has brought people like you into my life. (((((hugs))))

Bev

I can't believe she had 4 of those things in her!!  At least they're gone now, and she's in great care.  If any extra money is need (say, once the male is caught and needs vet care) I can also send some in through paypal.  You RULE, Bev!!!! 

I need to add.. Adventurerats, you were the one that pm'd about the warbles. ThankYOU! I am confused with who is who and who said what over the past few days, but I want you to know I'm very greatful. I had to look in my pms, and I have emails to go back through and I dont want to miss thanking anyone personally. One of you lives in Ottawa (would have to change pages to find your name, but you know who you are). You offered medication and syringes and food, and anything else like that I need, and please know that you didnt go unnoticed. Many thanks for your kind offer.
I dont want to leave anyone out, you are all so terrific!

gosh, I had one other thing I wanted to mention and it's evading me.. thinking.. thinking.. its not coming... I hate that!  (assuming that smiley means airhead?)

Anyway, thankyou again, all of you.

LOL... I dunno.... I'm kinda curious to see the warbles! I'd rather see them in pics than in person, mind you.
Bev, I'm so happy that you got her to the vet, and she's now warbleless  I have been following your story for a while, and what you are doing is wonderful.
And of course, Shelagh is wonderful for helping you so much!   

(cough cough I see a new rattie lover being born and a new rattie slave being created)

Bev, just admit it already.   

Hugs!
Robin