Lump-suspect abscess, but cant find a vet!

Question
QUESTION: My pet rat Templeton developed a pea-sized lump near his groin area; a little higher and more on the right side than the actual genitalia. It appeared around the 10th, overnight. It was flat on the bottom and did not grow much, maybe 1/100th of a centimeter.
Either late Monday or early Tuesday, it opened, but no fluid or pus came out. There is now a black scab on it (it started off with what looked like 2 smaller scabs that merged at some point) and he is not at all happy if you touch it. All of these seem to be normal symptoms of an abscess.  

However, he is not himself. Since around 18th, he has been a lethargic, not eating as much, not really interested in treats or water. He DOES eat and drink, but not often and much less than normal. What concerns me the most is his breathing. It is extremely rapid- he shakes a little just breathing.

I'm not sure what caused this. My other rat, Cecil, is much bigger than Templeton and has recently gotten VERY aggressive. He constantly jumps or stands on Templeton and nips/pushes/jabs his head at his stomach and the lump area. (If he doesn't calm down soon, I'm going to have to think of a way to calm him down or neuter him) I don't know if this is the cause or if it's a sign that the abscess's fluids have retreated back into his body.

Now, he has an appointment tomorrow to see what it is, and if it's an abscess, if it can wait for me to get to a real vet. The vet I'm seeing tomorrow "doesn't have the experience to perform procedures on rats- only examine them" They're the only clinic in my immediate area that can even do that. I just want to make sure it's not something worse, and if he can make it till Wednesday. I downloaded the Rat Report's list of vets that will treat exotics/rats, but most of the information is now outdated or wrong.

So my questions are:
Would it be possible to get a list of vets in the Huntsville, Texas (77340) area? I am willing to travel to Houston, but it's a difficult drive for the boys.
Is there any advice? I've tried the compress and he cries. I'd consider draining it myself if it is indeed an abscess, but I am NOT good with blood/bodily fluids. (I often pass out)
Do you think it's possible that he would be able to wait for/make a drive to Houston Wednesday?

ANSWER: Dr. Natalie Antinoff
Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists     
1111 West Loop South Suite 110
Houston TX 77027
Phone:    713-693-1133
Website: www.gcvs.com



This is the best place in Houston.  How far are you from College Station?


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: College Station is about 45 minutes, give or take for traffic. Houston on a good day is about 2 hours.

Thank you so much for the doctor information.
Is there anything else I can do?

Answer
How about this place?  Is it closer than Houston?

Dr. Sharman Hoppes
Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine Small Animal Clinic    
4474 TAMU
College Station TX 77843-4474
Phone:    979-845-2351


As far as doing anything else. I would get him on medication for infection. He sounds like he may have some respiratory issues on top of this. I dont think they are linked but cannot be sure without an examine.  Let me know what else I can do for you, I am here to help.