Lump on pet Rat

Question
Sandra, My daughter has a pet rat that has recently developed a fairly large lump between her back legs. It has happened so quickly that I wondered if it could be a mating thing, but I worry that it might be cancer or something like it. She is the only rat, so I know she is not pregnant. The spot does not seem to bother  her. We have touched it and it is soft to the touch. Thank you in advance for any help.

Answer
Hi James


It could be one of two things: An abscess, or a mammary tumor.  If it is an abscess, it would eventually develop a scab in the center of it and once the scab is removed, it will burst. However, this sounds like a classic mammary tumor and they do grow pretty fast.  I will guess she is at least 15 months or older?

The good news is these are not usually cancerous, but they do need to be removed regardless because the can still cause problems.
Please see my webpage on mammary tumors and also compare photos of other rats with them too.  I give a pretty decent write up on what they are, where they come from and why, and tell you that they are easily removed by a qualified vet ONLY, which I can help you locate.

Let me know after you check out the website:

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