Rat

Question
QUESTION: My brothers pet rat has a huge lump about the size of a golf ball we think its a boy but not sure. We haven't noticed it before and have been looking up possible thinks it could be. The rat seams to be moving around but is kind of slugish we are going to take it to a vet wanted to know if you had an anwser first.

ANSWER: It would be helpful if you could answer these questions.  How old is the rat?  Where exactly is the lump located?  What does the lump feel like (is it hard or squishy and does it move around loosely under the skin)?  How fast did the lump grow from nothing to the golf ball size it is now?

There is a good chance that it is a tumor, as they are common with rats, expecially females once they reach menopause (about 18 months old).  But males can get them too.  

Definately see a vet.  If possible, find an exotic vet that has specific experience with rats.  If he confirms it's a tumor, it can be removed with surgery, but it will cost you between $200-$300.  If the tumor is not removed, it will continue to grow and you will eventually have to put the rat down or it will die on it's own from the tumor.  If it is golf ball sized right now, I would estimate that he has another 2 or so more months of life before the tumor gets so big that it will compromise his quality of life (won't be able to eat on his own, groom his fur, and walk around).  At that point, he should be euthanized in a humane manner by a vet.

If you would answer the above questions, I might be able to give you more answers.  I hope information helped you.

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QUESTION: We don't know its age. And the lump is around its stomach/ back legs. The lump felt soft and moved loosely under skin.this is the first time my brother and mom noticed anything. We live in fruit heights Utah so if you know of any rat vets close by you could recommende that would be help full. Thanks so much for answer so soon.

Answer
Sorry for the delay.  It took me a while to locate an exotic vet.  I noted on a map that you are not that far from Ogden so I went from there.  

I have 2 for you.  The first is about 48 mins from Ogden and it is an EXOTIC VET CLINIC
Wasatch Exotic Pet Care
www.wasatchexotic.com

The second is a little closer, 28 minutes from Ogden.....if possible though, the exotic vet above would be my choice but this place does have an avian-exotic vet on staff
Parrish Creek Vet
parrishcreekvet.com