Cane rat rescued in Edenvale
It was determined by the vets that the adult male cane rate, which weighed 6.2kg, had no burn wounds or smoke inhalation.
A cane rat, rescued by Edenvale SPCA and treated by Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, was recently released into the wild after it was given the all-clear.
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At the start of July, Edenvale SPCA received a phone call about the rat from a community member who witnessed it running into a residential property.
The animal tried to escape a fire and entered a property located along Aitken Road.
Although a rodent, a cane rats body length can vary from 3560cm.
At times they can weigh more than some small dogs, reaching weights between 6 and 7kg in captivity, and up to 10kg in the wild.
A Chihuahua can weigh between 1.8kg and 2.7 kg, Pekingese can weigh anywhere between 3.2kg and 6.4kg, and Boston Terriers can weigh between 4.5kg and 11kg.
After receiving the call, inspector Hope Mokalapa and field officer Tommy observed the male cane rat before proceeding to humanely trap it.
Once caught the duo transported it to Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital as they were uncertain if the rat was injured or suffered from smoke inhalation.
At the veterinary hospital, the small mammal was sedated and assessed by veterinarians.
It was determined by the vets that the adult male cane rate, which weighed 6.2kg, had no burn wounds or smoke inhalation.
According to the hospital, although the rodent smelled like smoke, there was no damage to its lungs.
The rat was kept at the veterinary hospital for a few days for observation.
Soon after it was released back into a suitable habitat.
Edenvale SPCA and the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital thanked the community member for reporting the animal and thanked all involved.
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