My rat is leaking yellow goo!

Question
I got my rat Peanut in February 2009. He's 1 now and a few months after i got him he stopped letting me pet his head and flip him over to pet his tummy. a few more weeks or months went by and he stopped letting me pick him up. He would back away quickly, and he lost a LOT of weight. Now its a few weeks later, and when i try to pick him up he trys to get as close as possible to the floor of his cage and back away.... he's also had a bump thats skin color around his hip area. it is about as big as my pinky tip %26 it was there for at least 2 weeks, now it is leaking yellow goop that looks like earwax, my mom said we cant afford to take him to the vet, and putting him to sleep is mean and more expensive! what is wrong with him and how can I help??

Answer
Sounds like he has an abscess. Please refer to my website, sandyscrittercity.com and check out the info on how to treat an abscess.  Can you send a photo of it to me?  You can attach one photo here during our follow up.

Also, there is NO need to put him to sleep for this. To let you know, however, that putting a sick rat to sleep is NOT  mean when the rat is suffering.  This case, though, doesnt sound like he is suffering but may have an acute condition that can be easily treated without the help of a Vet.