Holly update, she gets spayed today!
Holly has been with us since December, when she was brought as a white elephant gift to a holiday party. People suggested letting her go outside or allowing their cats to torment her before someone stepped in and got her to safety. She was so shy and fearful when she arrived, but she has blossomed into a beautiful, friendly, and goofy rat alongside her partner in crime, Eem Thai BBQ and our own girl, Alchemy, who dutifully puts up with the young hooligans.
WHY A SPAY?
Holly is now 6 months old, which means it's high time for her spay. Spaying is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your female rats. When done while they are still young, it can reduce the risk of developing mammary masses by as much as 90% and pituitary tumors by around 20%. It also eliminates the risk of other common reproductive diseases like pyometra, ovarian cysts, and uterine masses. Nearly all of the spays we have performed on girls over a year old have had ovarian cysts and/or other signs of reproductive disease. Plus, a spay is generally less than half of the cost of a mass removal, so it's fiscally responsible as well.
Since our residents are with us for life, it means we are making good use of the donations we receive. Holly's spay will run between $400 and $450. For comparison, Bella's mass removals today cost us $1055.
We are still working hard to get our medical fund back in the black. Before Bella's surgery, our medical fund was down to -$1100, but now is back to -$2150. Like so many things, these surgeries are an important part of the work we do providing our residents with medical care for life. In so many cases, masses needn't be a death sentence. We are lucky to work with an amazing vet who is a skilled surgeon, so if surgery is an option, we will do everything in our power to provide it. If you are able to help us in our mission, it is immensely appreciated.
HOW TO HELP?
V3NMO: @ratwaysanctuary
P4yPal: RatWaySanctuary@gmail.com
More donation options and shop at www.ratwaysanctuary.org