Well it has been a very stressful week.  Most of my kids came down with lower+upper respiratory problems with three showing excessive symptoms of lethargy and weight loss.  It took forever to get them to a vet due to my schedule, distance, and vet  schedules.  Luckily I found a great new vet out of the deal though.  (At least she is BETTER than the last guy we visited who thinks any resp. infection warrants euthanasia.)  So, Astra, my nekkid was the worst.  I am really surprised she made it actually.  Her dehydration was bad enough to cause her to be confused and really weak.  I have been giving her subq injections of lactated ringers and she has been sleeping on the heating pad all day next to me while I study.  She is now really spoiled and refuses to be in her cage..LOL.  Just a few minutes ago, she ran off the heating pad and PEED all over my expensive nursing book!  YAY!!  I was so happy to see pee, all I could do was tell her what a good girl she was and give her lots of kisses. 

Also a question.  My 2.5 yr old girl seemed to have tumbled off a FN shelf.  Last night she was limping a bit.  This morning I notice her lower leg is really swollen.  So, I think it took a while to get that way.  I can't feel a break, but I know that doesn't mean much.  Is there a way to tell if it is sprained or broken (besides x-ray)?  She too got to spend lots of time lounging on the heating pad today.  Poor little bRats will go to such lengths for attention.. 

If it's really swollen, I'd say she needs an x-ray.  She may need to have the leg immobilized (ha! good luck).  Some breaks can cause blood flow to the affected area to be blocked, or cause internal bleeding.  I would just feel better getting it checked out before putting her on medications that might make any bleeding worse (like NSAIDs).   I'd also get her off the heating pad because it will make inflammation worse, too.  Maybe alternate ice packs with a couple minutes of heat instead.

Poor beebee.  Good luck!
Robin

Well, Astra didn't make it.  She really fought hard.  After days of Subq injections and antibiotics, she let go of this world.  My daughter and I cried for two days.  We have never been so sad about a pet before, she was truly our sweetest and most innocent girlie.  For the last four days of her life, all she wanted was to cuddle in my arms.  She was miserable and tired, so I know she is in a better place, but we still miss her so much. 

Hannah with the sprain isn't doing too well either.  She isn't as lethargic, nor is she dehydrated, but she is old.  Her leg is all healed now.  Please keep her in your prayers or thoughts.  She is the one that developed a mammary tumor, survived excision and a spay, after I brought her home at 2yrs old.  She has had countless litters and had various traumas in her former "home".  I am just not ready for her to go.

I'm sorry about Astra. You really tried for her. I will send happy thoughts for Hannah your way.   

Oh, I'm so sorry!  Play hard, sweet Astra.  Hannah will be in our thoughts and prayers.  Keep us posted on how she's doing.

HUGS

I'm so sorry about Astra. At least she spent her last days in a home that loved her very much. I will also send good, healing thoughts to Hannah. It sounds like she's been through a lot and to make 2.5 means she's a survivor.

-Caty

I'm so very sorry about Astra.   

Hugs,
Robin

Oh, I'm so sorry about Astra. (((hugs)))

I'm sorry about Astra and am thinking of Hannah.  I have so much respect for people who are willing to take in old ratties knowing that their time with them will be so short!  You're awesome to give them so much love and comfort!

  i'm so sorry about astra & hannah. *hugs*

Care

I am so sorry. She may have had a bad start in her life, but made up for alot of it when she came to live with you. You showed her what it was to be loved. Play hard at the bridge with Astra. You have earned it little one. 

Sorry for your 2 losses and your girls will be smiling down on you. 

Thanks guys.  I am glad I didn't end up having to take her to be PTS, but I really miss her.

I went to adopt a few new girls today that I have been planning for a week.  I found out that three girls are her neices.  It was kinda comforting to have some of her family come home to live with me.