Female rat with 2 tumors

Question
QUESTION: I have a female rat who is about 3yrs of age. A few months ago she started bleeding from somewhere quite alot. I've traced the blood to her vaginal area. It alarmed me until I realized that she was still eating and drinking and friendly. The bleeding stopped after a day and returned about 3 times seems like once a month. Soon after I noticed she'd make a noise if I went to pick her up. I swore she had a tumor but couldn't really see or feel anything yet. Now I see 2 tumors. One on the left front leg (above it) and on the same side down further in the middle of her body. Again, she is eating moving around just fine and the same old Pebbles. What should I do?? I know that if I take her to the vet I will not get anything removed as I am against a surgery for that type of illness. So now what?

ANSWER: Why are you against surgery to remove tumors when they can prolong your rats life?

If she has vaginal bleeding she probably has a uterine infection so even if you dont remove the tumors at least get her treated for the vaginal bleeding.



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QUESTION: During my research I have not found anyone who has prolonged their rats life with the surgery. Well, at least not many cases. She squeaks when I pick her up sometimes, I guess I am hitting the tumor/s. Does that mean she is in pain all the time? If she is I don't wish to have her suffer everyday. I will then take her to the vet for the UT infection, and also to see about the tumors. If she is in pain all the time I will have it taken care of. Is she? I will read deeply into your site as well. Thanks

ANSWER: Well good news, you just met someone that has prolonged several of her female rats after tumor surgery, even doing one female that was  3 and she lived to be just shy of 4 years old.   I have also have dealt with rats first hand at the clinic that have gone on to have decent quality of life after tumor surgery.  If your rat is eating, getting around, grooming herself and otherwise acting happy with the exception of squeaking when you pick her up, I would not end her already too short life over that.  You yourself said she is the same old pebbles.
When she is no longer the same rat and is unhappy and refuses food and refuses to do much of anything, that is when you know she is not doing very well.  I would not be in such a hurry to euthanize. I know you dont want her to suffer and either do I, but it doesnt sound like she is suffering at all, which is good!

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QUESTION: Great news!! Thanks so much! I was so worried I was being cruel to her wanting her to stay alive with me! I thought she was suffereing and like you said she didn't seem it but I am not a vet  nor can I read her mind to know that. You have eased my soul. Thanks again!!

Answer
Hi

You dont have to read her mind, just know her actions and I think you already know enough about her to know when she is not feeling good.

A rat that is sick or in pain will not eat or drink or care about much else other than sitting in one position, very lethargic. They spend their energy trying to control the pain which tires them out. If she were suffering, you would know it by just those few things I mentioned.

Mammary tumors usually dont hurt anyhow unless the are really big and start to break open from friction etc...

Even if you chose not to remove the tumor, depending on how fast it grows, she will still continue to want to live and be herself as long as possible.  I would not think about letting her go or any rat for that matter, unless they lose their spirit.  You know that spirit too. Its hat sparkle they have in their eyes....that twinkle in their personality. Once that is gone,you know they have no quality of life left and it is time.