poorly pet rat

Question
QUESTION: i have 2 poorly pet rats they are about 1 half years old. yesterday i noticed that the first rat had a big lump between her two back legs then noticed this morning that the second rat has a even bigger lump on the outside of her front leg that definatly wasnt there yesterday. have you any ideas what this maybe and if so is there anything we can do.

ANSWER: If they came out of the blue they may be an abscess.  Check the lump further and see if there is any scab on either of them. If you have photos attach them here after your finished writing and ready to send the message. There is an area to attach photos.

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first rat   QUESTION: thank you for replying so quickly. i have checked them this morning and there doesnt seem to be any scabs on either of them. i have taken some pictures of them for you to have a look but it was quite awkward to get them to stand still so i could get full effect of the lumps i hope you can see them ok. have had to send you the same message twice as would only let me attach 1 picture. sorry.

ANSWER: Rat number one:  This is a classic mammary tumor.  It needs to be removed by a qualified vet.  You can read up about them here on my website:

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


Please check it out, compare photos and read up on tumors so you can understand more about them.

Also, rattie number two looks like a mammary tumor too, but I wanted to ask if there was a pit or hole or something in the center of it or if it was just the photo or my old weary eyes.  







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QUESTION: i think the bit that you are mistaking for a pit or hole is her genital parts its just that where the lump has grown on that part it has swollen it so it stands out a bit more. Thank you for all of the information that you have given me it has helped me to understand more about what they are going through and will be taking them to see a vet as soon as possible.

Answer
Yes your right, my fault.  I looked again and realized it was indeed her genital area. Talk about needing to learn rat anatomy again! I should have known better!

I am glad my website was helpful. Please let me know how things go. I always appreciate updates on my rattie friends I help along the way.