(WARNING: GRAPHIC!) Medical- Rat Necropsy
I'd like to start off by explaining why I do what I do. Rats, like us, are prone to many illnesses, but with them it all happens sooner and quicker because their average lifespan is 2.5-3.5 years old. When my rats have fallen ill I work with my veterinarian to do everything we can to extend their life as long as it is of quality. In the end, sometimes we either didn't treat in time, or we got the diagnoses wrong- and this is where the necropsy comes in, so next time we know more, go in better prepared, or just find some peace in knowing what happened.
This is Cloud when she was alive.
Here are photos of her necropsy- I will caption the photos for the laymen here.
Very enlarged GI tract due to intestinal blockage
The mass of her guts were larger than her! Very backed up with fecal matter.
Here is a photo of all of the intestinal mesentery clipped to allow the bowel to be displayed as shown.
This photo compares her colon (the pink tube/tissue on the left) next to what caused the blockage, called a fecaloma, on the right. It is basically just very dense fecal matter that built up over time that she was unable to pass. The size is ridiculous!
Oh my God .so sad i can't read your full post and can't see all the pics because of heart problem but I am feeling sad for your rat.
I am so sorry you feel this way. This sweet girl was cared for with all the love in the world. When she was uncomfortable she was humanely euthanized by a vet experienced in exotic animals. I hope you find comfort in that- and that when I perform a necropsy, the loved one is cared for with delicacy. It is never with disrespect, @sairakiyana
She was very loved, and she is missed. This is how medical research advances. I hope you can understand that from this shared perspective.
Yeahi can understand dear. I like your post but its my problem .I can't see this because of my heart problem. But you are amazing. I realy like your all posts and happy to see your love for rats.
I am glad you can understand the medical perspective. I was worried when posting this that many wouldn't understand the importance.
I will be posting some livelier and happy posts soon- so stay tuned, ok? <3
Ok dear i am with you .