Ratablog

Back from the vet, with a disappointment for Kanga (take 2)

We have recently switched or site to a new server, and this original post, and its comments, must have somehow ended up on the old server. Or the gremlins got it, or something...Anyway, here's what it said:

Poor girlie, Kanga did not get the stitches out today. She is just not healing up as quickly as expected, so we'll go back Friday afternoon and try again.

This is unusual. With the other rats, the incisions have really been healed up in about a week, so taking them out in 12 days was never a problem. We are wondering if Kanga is different because she's hairless; if there is something genetic that is slowing her healing progress. So, for the next week she'll be getting as much good food as she can eat, but unfortunately it means more days in the dreaded collar.

Misto also got checked out today. He's doing better than he was those first few days after the chest tap, but he's still lost 17 more grams. I know he's eating, not only the high-calorie and higher-protein treats with which I've been trying to tempt him, but Victor has seen him eating the regular dry food in the cage.

He's got some energy, I can say that. For the vet trip, I put him an a soft-sided pet carrier, the kind that looks like a gym bag. He was really being a brat, jumping out as soon as I got him inside, but I finally got him squared away.

In the car, just before we pulled out of the driveway, I looked in at him and saw...nothing. Then I realized there is a small hole in the side of the bag. In an absolute panic we raced back inside...we found him on the bedroom floor, just about to climb up the bedspead. He must have slipped out in the ten seconds between my thinking I had him trapped and actually picking up the bag to leave.

From now on they will only travel in metal cages.

Then Lynn said:
lol! Ours travel in plastic because of their "Houdini" tricks. Smart boy, Misto. Sorry he's not gaining weight, but at least he's eating and active. Sounds like he's feeling a little better at least. And that is a long time for Kanga. I've never owned a hairless, but I would *assume* that's part of the problem. Their skin may be thinner or something? Give her extra cuddles for us. xxx to you and all the vermines.

Please let us know if you notice any other weirdness with the way the site is acting. Thanks!

Posted by Abita at August 28, 2005 09:27 AM