Probable tumour ?

Question

I have 2 male dumbo rats, both about 18 months old. Dexter started to get a growth just in front of his hind legs on the side ( possible mammary ?) about a month ago , I took it to the vets ( not exotic or specialist ) who said it was likely cancer and surgery wouldnt be good as they dont handle it well.  The lump is currently the size of a golf ball !

He seems fine and hasn't lost any weight, but obviously I'm concerned as to whether to get a 2nd opinion , have it removed or best to leave it ??

I have looked through many articles and of course there are many differing views.

Answer
They do handle surgery fine, when the vet knows what he or she is doing.  The animals that the vet you saw may not do well when it comes to surgery because of their lack of experience.  I have had tumors taken off of my rats, neuters, spays, one boy had to have his eye removed and he did fine.  This tumor will shorten his life considerably not because it is cancer (it is rarely cancer) but because of what the tumor will eventually do to his  body.  Check my site out about mammary tumors for accurate information.


http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/allabouttumors.htm

You need another vet. Your boy is still young yet.  Make our follow up message private, let me know where you did go and also where your located so I can give you names of vets in the UK that know how to operate properly on rats.