Rat Mammary Tumour
A Student’s Case Study
Gypsy was 3 years old rat in light condition and reclusive – she had stopped using her wheel for exercise. She had had post mammary tumour surgery with unclear margins of the tumour removal. There was risk of infection to the suture area.
Prognosis: Life expectancy 2 weeks – Note that Gypsy continued to live after the case study treatments for more than 6 months.
Gypsy received 6 treatments for the case study and further treatments after. She would come out of the cage on her own accord if she wanted the treatment. If she did not want a treatment she refused to come out of her cage.
Session 1 – 40 mins energy balance and full treatment
She was content to rest between hands.
Feedback from owner – 1 week later: Gypsy is more bright in herself – eating more and using her wheel
Session 2 one week later – 35 mins full treatment
Visual changes: surgery tissue healing well, no sign of infection
Feedback from owner: Gypsy is more outgoing, eating, drinking wheel and exercising
Session 3 – one week later – 40 mins
Visual changes: she had more energy and scar healing well. Sutures had been removed.
Feedback from owner: Owner is very happy with how Gypsy is.
Session 4 – 2 weeks later – 20 mins
Visual changes: Brightness up and coat condition better
Comment: no signs of tumour
Session 5 – 2 weeks later – 30 mins
Feedback from owner: The owner commented on how Gypsy came out of her cage for her treatment. She also commented on how calm Gypsy is during treatments and how loud her chatting and grinding of teeth is which rats do when they are feeling good.
Session 6 – 2 ½ weeks later – 20 mins
Visual changes: surgery area healed
Gypsy comes up to the cage door for her treatment and sits happily in my hand. When the treatment is complete she gets restless and pops herself back into the cage – no signs of tumour.
Approximately 6 months later she had another tumour occur behind on of her front legs which spread. Due to her age surgery was not an option.
Case Studies carried out by correspondence student
Julie-Anne, in Christchurch |
