Difficult question - please help

[Sabrina]

Hello everyone,
 Some of you may know me... I used to post on the old rat forum a long time ago. I'm sorry I haven't been around lately, my life has just been so crazy...
 But now I am faced with a very difficult question.  My rat, Ellie, has not been well lately.  She is two and a half years old, and recently broke her leg.  She hasn't been the same since - she isn't eating well, she doesn't have good balance, and today... Today she started bleeding.  It looked like it was coming from her urinary tract, though it could have been a cut.  It was a lot of blood for a rat, and it really scared me.
 Don't worry, I already have an appointment for the vet first thing tomorrow morning.  But actually, I am still not sure that what I am doing is right. Ellie HATES the vet - not the person, but the trip - being in a carrier case seriously, and I do mean seriously, stresses her out.  And the vet is a 40 minute + drive away.  So is the trip worth it?  I honestly don't think there is anything they can do for her.  She is just so old....
 And I know where that is leading, I know what the trip tomorrow might mean.  And I don't know if I could do it.  I don't know if I could say yes, please put her to sleep.  I don't think I'm that strong.
 I know that this is truly a decision that only I can make.  But I have never been faced with a situation quite like this before. All my other rats have died natural deaths, and I have never loved any of them nearly as much as I love my Ellie.  She is the most special and loving rat I have ever had, and my heart is already broken into little pieces.  So please, give me whatever advice you can.

Thank you so much for listening.

Sabrina

[scout]

Sabrina, I'm so sorry to hear about Ellie. You really must be torn up about what you need to do. I would suggest that you take things one step at a time. Until the vet looks at her, you won't know what can be done for her or not. And use the vet to help you make the decisions you need to make. My vet is always very helpful by suggesting options to me and telling me what the likelihood of success of those options might be.

If you do have to help Ellie to the Rainbow Bridge, keep in mind that you are giving your friend one last precious gift. You are saving her from needless suffering. You'll be able to be with her and tell her that you love her. She'll understand and know that you are doing the best you can for her.

My thoughts are with both of you tonight.

[Grace Jr]

My heart goes out to you Sabrina.  I just had to make this decision last Thursday, and it was the hardest thing I've ever done.  The vet was very helpful, and told me what was happening with her and what differnt options were available and how successful tey would be.  Her tumor had spread to her lungs, and I could tell she was in a lot of pain, so I just had to put my wants aside and let her go.

It was very hard, and I cried all tghe rest of the day.  But, I know I did the right thing for her, and now she is at the Bridge playing with Sadie, her best buddy.  I know this isn't really advice persay, but I think you should still take her tothe vets, since thats the only way you can find out what her options are.

[Idarat]

I too am so, so sorry to hear about Ellie.  It is perhaps the most awful feeling in the world to be feeling what you must be feeling now.  I agree with the advice about letting your vet help you look at options and decisions.  Not making your decision all on your own may bring you some peace.  Perhaps they can give Ellie something to make her more comfortable while you have some more time with her.  Whatever happens, Ellie is a lucky rat to have a mom like you, and I bet she has lived a life that rats dream of.  Peace and comfort to both of you.

[Yresim]

If she is bleeding, it may be a sign that things are going badly.  Or it may not be.  

You should take her to the vet.  At the very least, you will know whether or not there is anything you can do (instead of just thinking it).  

Ennoia lived through what seemed to me like some pretty unsurmountable odds: she was bleeding pretty heavily when she had her vaginal prolapse, but she was fine.  On the other hand, Mocha died within 24 hours of us discovering that something was wrong.  

It is easy to just say "there's nothing I can do, I'll just let her suffer until she dies on her own".  But that's not the right thing to do.  The right thing is to find out what your (and her) options are, then make the best decision for her.  If "the best decision for her" means you need to put her to sleep, then that is what you need to do.  Just be brave, do what's right.  Your family, your friends, and your fellow posters will be there for you when its all over.  

Sending hugs from California.  Good luck!  

[JulesDoug]

Oh dear I feel for you and Ellie, I can't offer advice only sympathy ..I know if you love a pet you will come to the right decision.

[Rat-love]

Oh, my.  I'm so sorry.  My two are only a few months old, and I'm already dreading the time when I may have to make such a decision.  I'm positive that whatever you do will be the most beneficial for Miss Ellie.  Our best wishes go out to you.

[DebW]

I'm so sorry to hear about Ellie.  It's a really difficult decision that only you can make.  You know what her comfort level is and how much enjoyment she is still receiving from life.  If quality of life is gone or she is suffering, a quick release is the best last gift you can give her.  My thoughts are with you.

[gg]

Dear Sabrina,
I sympathize with what you're going through. My rats had to be put down last week. They were old and just one day took a turn for the worse. One day they were frisky and playful, the next they were lethargic and no longer eating.  I knew because of their age, what the likely outcome at the vet's would be, but I couldn't make the decision. Finally, I had my husband take them. But now I regret not being there. Losing them has been awful - my husband and I cried for days - but the fears of not having done the right thing for them has been worse.
Take your rattie to the vet. It may be hard. It could likely be heart-wrenching. But it is the best thing to do for a beloved pet.
Good luck.