Question
hannibal
hi, i have a male rat called Hannibal approx 2 - 2.5 years old. He has long standing noisy breathing on and off which doesnt seem to trouble him. He has a lump on underside of his neck. It first appeared about 3 weeks ago just under his neck and since then it has rapidly grown. It did not appear to cause any pain.
Hannibal isnt able to eat properly because he cant hold onto food with his paws. I give him very soft foods like pasta and break it into very tiny pieces for him. It has now grown so large its really restricting his movements.
The lump feels firm not particularly mobile, on the underside of his neck there is a a fleshy spot of somekind. The mass is growing rapidly and looks asymmetical, not completely sphere, as if it was made up of 3 lumps joined together. It has started to drag on floor that Hannibal cant use his paws properly to grasp food. The size is maybe 1.5 -2 golf ball size. My rat is trying to move and still trying to feed.
I have taken it to a vet today and they said it was a tumour and it seems to be fixed. They said they wouldnt operate as due to risk of surgery being near to the jugular and carotid. I'm giving him antibiotics as prescribed by vets to clear the chest infection. They said even if his chest infection clears, its not recommended to remove the tumour. I werent sure whether the vet knew about what tumour and whether it was malignant.
When i rang for appointment they said they do many rat tumour removal but I dont think they had a rodent specialist.
I read that tumors may still be removed even if risky, is it worthwhile to have him be seen by another vet who would be willing to operate?
Thank you
AnswerWhere are you located? I would like to find another vet for you to get a second opinion. If the vet is skilled enough and has the proper implements for surgery, the location of the tumor should not be a problem. These are usually benign but they can grow fast and cause other health problems. Please see my website, sandyscrittercity.com and read about tumors.
You can also offer him baby food to lick..that may make things easier for him.
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