Mass on lower jaw

Question
QUESTION: Hello! A few day ago my kids 18 m old pet rat(Annie Oakley) stopped eating well (still eating some) and started loosing weight rapidly and tonight I took her out of her cage and she has a medium (grape size) hard mass on the right underside of her lower jaw it runs along the edge but doesn't extend down to her leg. It is very firm doesn't move around and has well defined edges. She has always been in good health no respiratory problems and always a healthy weight she isn't scrawny yet but she is surely underweight now. I was wondering if you thought this might be a tumor a cyst or what. I looked into the mammary gland tumors and every one seems to say they are located near the legs this doesn't go near her leg. Please let me know what you think as I value your opinion.    Thank you Sheila

ANSWER: Hi Shelia


It doesnt sound like its a mammary tumor so dont worry about that.
It may be an abscess.  How long has she had it, would you say?

Is there a way to take a photo of it?

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QUESTION: I noticed it on friday night it doesn't seem to of grown any since then a little red in one spot she is gaining weight back already. I can surely take a picture for you but how would I send it to you as I do not see an add attachment button to do it on this page.      Sincerely Sheila

ANSWER: email me at sandyscrittercity@YAHOO.COM

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QUESTION: I just wanted to up date you. It split open and started draining green and yellow puss it was just an infected cyst I spoke with the vet here and he said that I was to keep cleaning it and she has an appointment in 2 days to get it checked and get antibiotics. I will keep you updated. Thank you very much for your help with our sweet Annie Oakley.

Answer
Its an abscess not a cyst.  Cysts dont do that, but an abscess will drain green and yellow pus.  This can be easily treated by cleaning it out using saline solution and putting antibiotic ointment in the open wound.  If it fill up again, continue to help by pressing under the lump and more should come out. Is there a foul odor?