rat with one testicle

Question
QUESTION: Hello Sandra,
We had a litter of rats born 4 weeks ago. 5 males and 1 female. Four males have developed normal testicles, but one has only one visible testicle. However, he does have a round lump directly above the side where the testicle is missing. Is it possible it did not drop and may in time? Is there anything we can do to help the situation or is it more a surgical issue?

ANSWER: Hi John

Sounds like congenital cryptorchidism (undescended testicle)and chances that it may drop are iffy. usually the vet will opt to neuter the rat as he ages as this condition can contribute to testicular cancer later on down the road.  I would find a real exotic vet (and I dont mean a vet that sees exotics) to check him over and discuss options. Surgery doesnt have to be right this moment, though, but he may need it if it doesnt correct itself which again, is not real likely.
If you would like some names of exotic vets if you need one, please let me know and I can give you some names, no oligation of course, just some names of good vets with experience in neutering rats and vets that have the proper tools to work on such small animals to make the surgery less risk.  Neutering rats is fairly common,however, but still not meant to be done by a vet that lacks experience. Its not the same as neutering a dog or cat.

Keep me posted, please if you dont mind. I appreciate knowing how all the little ratties that I read about are doing later down the road.

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

QUESTION: Hello again and thanks for the answer. We do have 2 vets here, but I think it is as you say, "vet that sees exotics". We are located outside of Tampa, Florida.

Thanks again,
John and Allyson

Answer
You and your rat are very lucky. There is an awesome place in Tampa, where there are several certified avian/exotic vets, one being someone that I look up to which is Dr.Teresa Lightfoot and the other is  
Dr.Juliet Gladden, who I will suggest you see if you do chose to go here. Dr.Gladden has alot of experience with exotics too.

Dr. Juliet Gladden
Florida Veterinary Specialists    
3000 Busch Lake Blvd
Tampa FL 33614
Phone:    813-933-8944
Website: www.fvs.com

Please let me know how it goes.  Good luck and keep in touch please!

Sandra