Today we said good-bye to Emerson. This morning, when I went to go feed the rats, I noticed that he did not peek out of his hammock to greet me. Lately he has spending the majority of his time in his hammock- he had loss about 80% mobility in his rear legs and would have to drag himself by his front legs, so I am sure that proved to be exhausting. When I didn't see him, I thought for sure he had passed, and was expecting it, given his age and his declining quality of life. It appears that he had suffered a stroke as he kept twisting and curling his body into a C-shape. He then became unresponsive- the only movement would be to straighten his front legs out and throw his head back. He would not even blink from one eye and did not appear to be able to close his mouth. Our initial plan was to end his suffering and assist in letting him go, however he passed on his own just prior.

Discovered two lumps on Aniston. One is rather large and very squishy- right around her genitals. If I didn't know any better, and if I had not owned Aniston for as long as I have, I would almost think it was a testicle as it is about the size and density of one. The other lump is right above her right rear leg, very much in the same location as Scarlett's was (in the crease where the thigh meets the belly). I am hesitant to try to put her through another surgery at her age (she is approaching 2 years of age this November) since she has already been through one. I will be monitoring the tumors' growths.

Emerson has had increased decline in the mobility of his back legs. The muscle mass of this thighs is diminishing as is the hair on his back legs and tummy, but he still gets around! Wobbly and off balance, dragging his feet as he walks, but he still goes up and down the ramp of his cage, and in and out of the hammocks. Other looking like an old man rat, he appears to be in very good health.

All other ratties appear to be doing fine. They will all be treated with ivermectin soon as I have noticed more scabs on some of the rats and scratches on the hairless and would like to be sure we can rule out parasites.

Dosed all rats with ivermectin 1.87%. Notice some of them (Beret, Nymeria, Chelsea, Emerson, and Cicero) had some suspicious scabs around their necks/chins/faces. 

Emerson, Cicero, Aniston, Molly, and Scarlett look and sound much better this morning. I have not noticed any sneezing. I am certain their porphyrin staining and sneezing yesterday was due to my cleaning of the ceiling fan.

Noticed some porphyrin around Emerson, Cicero, Aniston, and Molly's nose. Scarlett did not have any porphyrin but I did hear her "snoring"- sounded somewhere in between a whistle and a wheeze. I had dusted the ceiling fan that is in the rat room today so I am certain its just a nasal irritation (it even got me sneezing for a bit). Going to continue to monitor everyone. 

Emerson has a small scratch on his right lip, just below the nose. Most likely from getting into a typical squabble with Pip.

Weigh Ins!

	Last weigh in 3/19	Today’s weigh in 6/1	Difference +/-
Emerson	13.2 oz	13.7 oz	+ 0.5 oz
Pip	1 lb 9.1 oz	1 lb. 9.3 oz	+ 0.2 oz
Cicero	1 lb 1 oz	1 lb. 1.3 oz	+ 0.3 oz
Beret	13.8 oz	13.8 oz	no change
Molly	9.0 oz	9.5 oz	+ 0.5 oz
Nymeria	9.4 oz	9.9 oz	+ 0.5 oz
Aniston	10.1 oz	10.7 oz	+ 0.6 oz
Paisley	11.1 oz	11.1 oz	no change
Scarlett	10.9 oz	11.0 oz	+ 0.1 oz
Chelsea	14.0 oz	13.8 oz	- 0.2 oz

 
Weights look good, little to no change in 14 days. Diet has remained about the same.

Weigh ins!
Emerson: 13.2 oz
Pip: 1 lb 9.1 oz
Cicero: 1 lb 1 oz
Beret: 13.8 oz
Molly: 9.0 oz
Nymeria: 9.4 oz
Aniston: 10.1 oz
Paisley: 11.1 oz
Scarlett: 10.9 oz
Chelsea: 14.0 oz

Discontinued flushing Emerson's abscess area as nothing other than a very small scab remain. Eyes looking much more even- suspecting the squinting had to do with discomfort perhaps?

Flushed Emerson's abscess area with sterile saline wound wash (purified water and 0.9% sodium chloride). Will continue flushing area 2x daily until healed.

Flushed Emerson's abscess area with sterile saline wound wash (purified water and 0.9% sodium chloride). Will continue flushing area 2x daily until healed.

Flushed Emerson's abscess area with sterile saline wound wash (purified water and 0.9% sodium chloride). Will continue flushing area 2x daily until healed. Looking MUCH better today! Its already gone down in diameter! Moved Nymeria into the big cage at last after introducing all the other girls to her for a few hours in her cage. Great success!

Flushed Emerson's abscess area with sterile saline wound wash (purified water and 0.9% sodium chloride). Will continue flushing area 2x daily until healed. Eyes appear more even in size- possible squint due to pain from abscess as it was on the same side of the body??