My rat, Dash, needed a tumor removed. When my fiance first saw this vet, he seemed knowledgeable, friendly, and a good choice for this surgery. He said it seemed benign, but it was our choice to remove it. I was told to have Dash fast from 10pm until the surgery at 8am. The vet was already informed that we would not be able to pick up Dash until 3:30pm--a 17 hour fast.
Most pets fast pre-op to avoid vomiting. Rats can't, so it usually isn't necessary¹ and shouldn't be over 6 hours,² as "fasting can cause hypoglycemia and dehydration, which, along with hypothermia, can cause anesthetic complications and death."
When we came back, we asked the receptionist if Dash would need antibiotics/pain medicine. She looked like she'd never been asked this and said, "We don't do those. She doesn't need them." We questioned her why, as most vets prescribe antibiotics when they have major surgery (the incision was big, about 2 inches and had all outward stitches.) She said "She's not going to get an infection," as if we were stupid for asking. When asked, "If she does get one, can I come back?" We got the same answer. We asked for pain management options. "We don't do those. There are no approved pain medicines for rats."
Though usually foregone, "If a rat who has previously had respiratory symptoms needs surgery, she should be put on antibiotics suitable for mycoplasma several days before the surgery to help protect her against a relapse during the stress of surgery."
Furthermore, the mechanisms leading to the perception of pain are similar in humans and rats. If something is painful to humans or damages tissue, it must be considered to be painful to the animal.¹³
She offered to let us speak to the vet. We agreed, but he acted very differently this time. My fiance asked "I was wondering if she will need any antibiotics or pain medicine." He looked at her and said "Our surgeries are in a sterile environment, and frankly I'm insulted that you would think she needs antibiotics." Her mom and friend came to our defense and said, "She's asking you a question, not insulting you." She wasn't yelling or swearing. We weren't questioning his ability as a vet. Most vets prescribe antibiotics to prevent mycoplasma, which could flare up from surgery. He continued arguing, but we explained we were only asking how to care for Dash and pointed out good owners should ask, not leave with an injured animal and no idea what to do. She said "Maybe it's just a rat to you, but I care about her." He got offended and said, "We take care of all 'pocket pets' here and we care about them," then added, "Your rat probably has cancer, and you refused a biopsy."
It was clear he only said this to make her feel guilty. The receptionist asked her if she wanted to send out a biopsy. I asked her if it was necessary. She said no, it's probably not cancer, so we declined, as they recommended. He also contradicted his bloodwork we paid $30 for earlier which claimed the growth wasn't cancerous. Why Dr. Acock changed his mind and implied we deprived Dash of proper care is beyond comprehension.
He also claimed there was no such thing as pain medication for rats and that ibuprofen is toxic, but rats can metabolize many human medicines, including ibuprofen.¹
There are few rodent vets in Walla Walla. Dr. Acock should be able to treat rats properly and effectively. For the sake of animal health, all vets should read and learn as much as they can about the animals they intend to treat. Mistakes can cost animals their lives.
¹http://web.jhu.edu/animalcare/procedures/survival-rodents.html
²http://www.jove.com/video/2586/principles-of-rodent-surgery-for-the-new-surgeon
³http://vetmed.duhs.duke.edu/GuidelinesforPostOpRodentCare.html
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