Male Rat testicle problem

Question
QUESTION: We have an almost 3 year old male rat. He is named Newt. Newt has a cataract in one eye and has been battling an infection in one of his scent glands for months that refuses all treatments. We were considering having it removed. Yesterday we noticed that his testicle on the same side is now rock hard and slightly discolored. He does not appear to be in pain due to the testicle and we have had some success getting the gland to drain with epson salt baths and heating pads.

We have a vet in town that is by no means an exotic vet, and has managed to bungle previous neuters (killing 2 in the process). He also thinks that Bactrim is the correct drug for everything. (sorry his last screw up cost me 700 dollars and our sweet boy still died)

The next closest vet is 70 miles or 135 miles away. All of this is an aside. If I am able to get Newt into the Vet for surgery it won't be until after the New Year I'm sure due in part to Vet schedules and Snowfall here.

My question is: I suspect the testicle is cancerous and will likely spread before I can get someone to remove it and the gland. At his advanced age I am curious if he will survive the surgery and if it is kind to do it to him when he may have only a few months to live.

Why can't our ratties live longer. They develop these interesting personalities and then pass on. I sent you a second question and made it private because the contents might upset some pet owners.

ANSWER: Oh my, where do you live?  I may be able to find a vet closer to you that knows what they are doing.  Too many vets agree to see rats and end up causing more harm than good as you know!

Also, what is your medical background, if any? I am pretty impressed by your other email!
I will get back to you after I hear from you.

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

QUESTION: I went to school for Physics and my husband is a comparative philologist. No formal medical training outside of a few college biology classes and a keen interest in just about everything. We have many hobbies, anatomy being one of them. We have had rats for many years and made careful observations of their illnesses in attempts to prolong their lives and alleviate their suffering when ill.

We live in Burns, OR. (97720) We are 135 miles from the nearest Taco Bell. :)

Answer
Awesome!

The Taco bell part sucks though. I love Taco bell and would be really bummed if I had to travel 135 miles for a beefy burrito.  LOL

As for vets...yikes. your right. Your in Oz for sure.

However, I did find a Vet for you, although she is not exotic certified, she has a strong interest in exotics which isnt always bad. I think they are next to the Taco Bell your talking about because they are 2 hours and 28 minutes from your town!

Dr. Deborah LaPaugh
LaPaw Animal Hospital    
1288 SW Simpson Ave Ste G
Bend OR 97702
Phone:    541-389-3902
Website:www.lapawanimalhospital.com

For surgery it would be worth taking him there, spending the night if they neuter him and having him stay a second night there if they do that kind of thing (I prefer a clinic that does keep them at least one night if not two for more invasive surgery)

He probably needs neutered to remedy the situation and it may be a testicular abscess which is why it responds to the heat treatments etc...

Is there any way you can get your hands on antibiotics? Amoxil? Septra?

Are you far from Idaho?