My Dumbo Rat, Oliver

Question
Hey there, I'm pretty sure my adult male (a pensioner really, he's an old man) Dumbo Rat, Oliver, has an abscess on his face.
It started off as a huge black, blue and red lump, and has now done down into a brown-ish/red-ish circle on his face.
I have a feeling it may get worse and go the way I've seen abscesses go on photographs. I'm really worried.
Please tell me what can I do to treat him??
It just randomly came out of nowhere.
It doesn't seem to be bothering him in the slightest; he's eating normally and seems his normal self personality-wise.
The only other thing I'm starting to worry about is he hasn't left his house in days, not that I've seen anyway... I think his back legs are going on him?
He's two and a half years old, so he is an old man and I understand that he's bound to have problems with being old... I'm just so worried about him.
Please is there anything I can do to help him??

Gemma

Answer
Please do me a favor and check out my site, sandyscrittercity.com.  Refer to the page on rat ailments and check out the topic about zymbals gland tumors.

http://www.sandyscrittercity.com/tumoronsideofface.htm


There is also a page on care for our senior citizen rats, including problems with their back legs which is very common, esp with males.
http://www.sandyscrittercity.com/careoftheelderlyrat.htm


Let me know if the lump is anything like what is discussed on the page about zymbals gland tumors.