Rats and Tumors

Question
QUESTION: I believe one of my rats has a tumor! I noticed it about a month ago when I was playing with my youngest (and sweetest) female, a 5 month old dumbo named Piper. I could feel a small hard yet loose lump on the saggy skin of her under fore leg. At first I thought it might just be a fat cluster, but now it seems to have grown a bit larger and I'm very concerned.
I know I should seek out a vet but I'm a little nervous as to what I might be told or if she can even be cured if it is a tumor.

Can a vet cure a tumor in a rat?

ANSWER: Hi Stephanie

Tumors are one of the most common things for a vet to removed. Relax.
However it may be an abscess that hasnt come to a head. Is there a scab on it?  After a month it should have come to a head to be honest, but its still a chance it could be.   Again, tumors are easily removed and are usually never cancerous when they are mammary tumors, which is the location you are finding this tumor in now, the mammary tissue.

Check out my website all about tumors so you can see how common this is. You dont want to leave it there, thats for sure, because that is when problems start.  

You also need a good Vet for this, not just a vet that sees exotics, but a real certified exotic specialist.  I can help you locate one if you let me know your zip code.  

here is the URL to my site on tumors:

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

Write back after you read this!  Hang in there!

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

QUESTION: Thanks so much Sandra!

Seeing that the tumor can be easily removed by a vet has really taken a weight off my shoulders. It also doesn't hurt to see my rats tumor is no where near as large as the ones in the photos who were able to get theirs removed safely! I'm glad I was able to catch it early!
I was wondering how much a surgery like that would cost? I understand the price will be different from vet to vet but I'm curious as to an average cost...My zip code is 45342, it would mean a lot to me if you could help me find a specialist near me!

Thanks again!

Answer
Another Buckeye huh? Hubby is originally from Bellbrook!  I am an Ohio native myself (northeast Ohio area) you know, the good ole "lake effect snow" area!  I do NOT miss snow and cold miserable winters, I know that. I ran away from Ohio after being there my entire 35 years of life and have been here in the Charlotte NC area for 10 years now. I love it here and love the fact we do not get snow unless its a freak storm but that melts in a day or less anyhow.

Ok enough about that...sorry.....here is what I have for you as far as vets go.  This clinic is a small animal and exotic clinic. Small animal means dogs and cats and of course the exotic part is for our critters so this is the place to go. Unfortunately, as I suspected anyhow, its not just a stones throw away. Its in Cincinnati. I did a map quest for you and its about a 50 minute drive, which is about how far I have to go to get to my exotic vet too. Many people drive even further. I had to send someone 2.5 hours to a specialist but her rat truly needed one since none of the vets near her knew what to do and her rats skin was literally scabbing up and sloughing off causing painful lesions etc... the closest exotic specialist was over 2 hours from her but she didnt care and she drove that far for her rattie. he is going to be ok, btw:)

Its worth the drive for good care, esp if it means surgery! You want the right people for that.
As for prices, I cant say.It is anywhere from $125 and up. There are two places for you to call.


FIRST CHOICE:
************
Avian and Exotic Medical Center of Ohio
9951 Springfield Pike
Cincinnati OH 45215
Phone:    513-576-1990

SECOND CHOICE:
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The Animal Hospital on Mt. Lookout Sq.     
3175 Linwood Ave
Cincinnati OH 45208
Phone:    513-871-8866
Website: www.ahomls.com