Did i do the right thing with my pet rat?

Question

my rat was about 3 yrs old and has been ill.he got really bad with his breathing the last few days.he already had a brain tumor but was living an ok life with that.(no pain).he went off his food and i got him into the emergency vet today and was told he had pneumonia and that he was very anxious and uncomfortable and it was less than 50/50 the antibiotics would help and he could end up dieing gasping for breath.i decided to let the vet put him out of his misery but now i feel as though i took his life away.i no it sounds stupid but i beat myself up over these things.did i do the right thing or should i of tried antibiotics.anyone else been through this.

Answer 1

Don't beat yourself up over it. You did what you felt was right. A good group to join is holistirat. Whenever I have questions or concerns about my rats I go there and ask and they can share other links to get more info on rats. I hope you feel better by knowing your rat knew it was loved.

Answer 2

It's ok, you did the right thing anyways. Even though the rat didn't show the pain, he was still hurt in the inside. Antibiotics would've worked but most of the times it can fail, so you did the right thing. Don't beat yourself up, you know God's looking after him.

Answer 3

you did do the right thing because he was slowly dying and was going to die painfully so putting it down was better

Answer 4

I think you did the right thing. There were no guarantees the antibiotics would work. And he was already starting to suffer. No need to let him suffer any longer. Don't beat yourself up. You did what you thought was right. And that was being a good owner.  

Answer 5

You shouldn't beat yourself up over this. True, your rat would have lived a longer life had you not had him put out of his misery, but you did the right thing. What's life if you have to suffer through it? I know that you must be devastated that your rat was put out of his misery, but the antibiotics might not have helped and would only have put him through extreme pain. I'm sorry about your loss, but just know that you did the right thing for your rat.

Answer 6

yeah.

Answer 7

I would have tried the antibiotics but think about it... if they didnt work he would have been in pain for longer than he should have been. dont beat youself up about it.  your rat has crossed rainbow bridge and is all healthy and in a better place playing with other rats.

Answer 8

I believe that an animal should be put out of its misery if there is a low percent that the anti-biotic would help because there is not sence in making him suffer if it isnt going to help.....besides it was just a rat:P:P

Thnkss

Answer 9

You did the right thing. Either way he was going to die. Think about it this way. Do you want him to suffer or be peaceful? hope this helps.