Lump on pet rats neck

Question
A few days ago I got 2 female rats that are about 2 months old. I've noticed one of them has a lump on her throat. It's about the size of her eye and it moves easily and it's a bit soft rather then hard like a rock. I've heard with lumps like that are mammary which is not cancerous right? I don't have the money right now to take her to the vet but I plan to do so in a month or two. What is your first take on what kind of lump this is? Also, I live in Ontario and I was also wondering if you knew the average cost of a tumor removal for an exotic pet? The exam fee is quite expensive due to her being a rat. And I was hoping on getting both of them fixed to prevent future tumors. Do you know the average cost of that also? Thanks.

Answer
Hi


The good news is this is probably an abcess and not a tumor. Mammary tissue isnt found on the throat.   Please refer to my site, sandyscrittercity.com and check out the page on how to treat an abscess and also go over the page on mammary tumors as well.  Please also let me know what part of Ontario your in.  Rat exams should not be expensive like your saying. ALlow me to find a good vet for you!