Abcess or Tumor in a rat with heart problems

Question
Hello,
  I have a 7 or 8 month old male rat who was diagnosed about two months ago with an arrhythmia, enlarged heart, and fluid in his lungs.  He's doing really well now; he was on several medications, but now he's just on a daily diuretic.  We've just noticed that he has a lump under his throat that's about the size of a small marble.  The only exotics vet in Iowa City can't see him until tomorrow.  She's going to examine him to determine if it's the fluid retention again, or whether it's an abscess or tumor.  After the initial heart problems he's gained a lot of weight and he became much more active and glossy.  He's getting a little more lethargic now, but he still seems pretty healthy overall.  If it is a tumor, the vet said she still might not be willing to operate because of the heart problems.  Would an otherwise healthy rat have a reasonable chance of coming through a small tumor removal?
Thanks,
Lin

Answer
Hi

Yes, rats have surgery without complications all the time, even high risk patients.  I have had rats with lung disease have tumors removed. I Have had my 3 year old rat have surgery on a tumor removal and she was  under for 90 minutes and did great. Spaying and neutering is also done on otherwise healthy rats.

Is your rat on enalapril or atenolol?  He should be on something for his heart disease since it never goes  away but can be controlled. Cardiomyopathy can be treated with meds but once the meds are stopped it can return.  I dont know your rats history  but wanted to ask
I am hhoping it is an abscess! I find them in that area alot. Is there a crater or scab on the mass? Did it come up out of the blue?ss

There are three exotic vets in your state:

Dr. Rick Harmon
Oaks Veterinary Clinic
2030 27th St
Des Moines IA 50310-5422
Phone:    515-279-3654


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Dr. Aaron Sitzmann
Council Bluffs Veterinary Clinic    
1229 S 3rd St
 Council Bluffs IA 51503
Phone:    712-323-2147
Website: http://www.cbvetclinic.com/

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Dr. Kathy Van Buer
North Brady Animal Hospital    
6011 North Brady St
Davenport IA 52806
Phone:    563-391-9522
Website: northbrady.com

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