Wanda

Question
Hi,

I asked too many follow ups..we were talking about my little girl Wanda 2.5 yrs old. She's not chubby at all but not skinny. She is a little more tired than normal but she is getting older and has been alone for 1.5 months (until i get her new cage mate next week). He head only moves very slightly forward and as I said no noise at all.

I have studied your site very thoroughly! Always look at it for advice. I think maybe I', being over cautious. If she starts sneezing or anything I'll take her to the vet. She had a tumor removed 3 months ago so I hope it's not returning :( Tonight she seemed to have more trouble climbing the bars than usual. I can't feel or see any lumps though.

Amanda x

Answer
I am sure its due to her age as well. They do slow down as they age.

As for the tumor returning, just dont be terribly upset if it does come back. In fact, others may form in other areas on the body since there is mammary tissue scattered all over the underside of the rat.  Its not unusual at all for intact females to continue developing mammary tumors once they have one. Thats why I have only male rats now. The female rat, unless spayed early, around 3 to 5 months of age, has a strong chance of developing mammary tumors when their estrus cycle ends due to the rise in hormone levels that stimulate the growth of these tumors. I have a lady that writes me often, who is also from the UK, and this may be her rats fifth surgery. She is asking my opinion if she  should do it or not and its so hard for me to say yes or no  to something like that. If I say yes, do it and the rat passes, I would just be sick. However, if she doesnt do it, the rat will end up eventually needing put down due to the tumor although this may be 6 months from now too.  The rat is also around your rats age so its a tough call and one that I do not like to make, thats for sure.  Again, I say go with your gut. only YOU know your rat, nobody else but you....not me, not the Vet, just YOU! :)