AboutSandra Conti-Todd Expertise NOTE:
I am sorry for any long delays in responses. I have been going through some personal issues with my life but things are looking up for me and I am getting my life back on track again and will promise to be here for all rat lovers to help guide you on proper care. Love to all of you!
To request a telephone consultation, please email sandyscrittercity@yahoo.com. in order to schedule a date and time that is feasible for both you and I. There is no time limit on weekends or after 99pm M-F or if your cell phone carrier is Verizon Wireless. There is no charge for a telephone consultation. I offer my advice free of charge since my goal is to simply keep your rats happy and healthy for as long as possible. My reward is knowing that people learning as much as they can on rat care in order to provide the best care possible. Thats all I need to know. You cant put a price tag on love:)
As one of the top experts here at allexperts for 2008, I am happy to be able to help advise others on the proper care of pet rats.
I am a rat care specialist/advisor for area vets and have 20 plus years experience working with rodents.
I can advise you on the most current treatments available to your rat for common and also complicated ailments that seem to affect domestic rats during their life time. I do telephone consults and have even had some wonderful Vets call me to compare notes/stories. I also have training in animal behavior with the main focus being the study of rodent behavior.
I also have experience with wild rats, raising one myself .
Experience My expertise
Includes the following:
1. Education on prevention of tumors, lung and heart disease and disease of the kidneys too.
2. Up to date treatments for tumors in rats,both benign or malignant tumors.
3. The most current treatments used successfully to treat lung and heart disease
4. Prevention and treatment of the mycoplasma organism that our rats are plagued with since the day they are born, among other common ailments that attack our rats, just to name a few.
My job as a rodent consultant is to educate the owner on proper care of the animal but in no way does my advice take the place of seeking professional treatment by a qualified Veterinarian.
However, I will contribute to this site by answering your questions about raising pet rats and any problems that may arise regarding their health, diet, husbandry and over all well being of the rat to **the best of my ability.**
Organizations I maintain my website, Critter City and update it often to keep up with current treatments concerning pet rat health care. Please click the link above to take you there!
Publications My own website of course, and also I have brochures on rat care that are found in various animal clinics in my area.
Education/Credentials
Mentored by highly noted exotic specialists in my area. I am a member of the ASPCA.
Awards and Honors Was honored by being chosen to be one of the top 50 experts of 2008
Past/Present Clients My past clients have been through various animal clinics and I also am mentor to new rat owners that reach me through here and my website too.
Question wondering if perhaps you can help even though my friend may not be around when i receive a answer.
she is 2.5 years has bumblefoot, has had a mammary tumor removed ( at about 1.5 years)
for almost 4 weeks now my rat has had a series of trips to my exotic pet vet for a growth on the side of her head.
the first trip it was lanced, checked for cancer (given the all clear) so she was given 2 drugs to take ( i was away so i am unsure of what they were) and it cleared up but then came back again 9 days later.
she then went back to the doctor and a sample was taken and came back that it was a highly resistant strain of infection and should respond to bactrim. it did not and continued to grow so we went back but was no longer only soft and squishy it had a hardness to it.
a sample of the new tissue growing ( at the base of the ear) was sent to have a histopath test. she was given a mixture of baytril and bactrim until the results came back.
it came back negative of cancer but we were still thinking that it could be and there just wasn't enough tissue given for it to be confirmed. so a decision was made try to freeze the area to stop the infection...
As she was opened this time there was no longer any infection now it was white tissue, it was partially cut away and the remaining tissue was frozen. this was maybe two weeks ago
our hope was in vain it just grew back quicker. my vet and i have run out of ideas. the lump is now the size of a small rubber bouncing ball that you play with as a child (about 1.5 cm) it now has again the squishy texture of an abscess but i am not sure i should put her under anesthetic again because she is now wheezing when she drinks or gets excited.
she is still eating. it is starting to affect her breathing she wheezes and breathes more rapidly than usual.
i just would like to know if you believe there is anything else i can or could have done. i know she is old and that it is just a matter of time but she is my best friend and i would give anything so make her happy and healthy.
Answer Oh my that is really a story. Do you have photos? I know a great person that can assist me in this but she would want photos for sure.
Email me at askcritterkeeper@yahoo.com as soon as you have photos. I would take them from all angles if possible.
What color is it? Is it smooth or lumpy? Has there ever been an odor?
WHen you say "side of head" do you mean literally the side of her head, like behind the ear, or more on the face?
I guess thats why photos are best.
