swollen throat

Question
QUESTION: Hi! I did a google search on "pet rat swollen throat", which brought me to the swollen lymph gland topics on your website. However, after looking at the example images of other pet ratties with this problem, I realised that my rat's problem is either a greeeat deal worse, or just not the same thing! It started out as a soft ball-like lump in his throat area. I took him to a vet, who tried to drain it. However, she said that it seemed to have chambers, and she wanted to do some more research before cleaning it out further. On calling her back, she basically came to the conclusion that if it is not affecting his breathing and lifestyle other than being uncomfortable, it is best to leave it, since the consequences of trying to sort it out could be more harmful. But I am really starting to worry about this. It seems that although the swollen lump is not affecting my pet rat's lifestyle, (except that he's had to change the way he holds food), the lump seems to be increasing in size. It is currently almost the size of a tennis ball in the front of his throat! Please help and advise..

ANSWER: Hmmm....strange....

I have a few questions:

Is there any drainage from it?

Is this inside his throat or outside and visible?

Has he been given antibiotics and antiflammatories such as metacam?

How old is he?

Last question I promise:

Is this vet a "real" exotic vet or just a vet that has a "special interest in exotics?? please let me know!

thanks!

Sandra

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

QUESTION: thank you for your response.. my answers: the vet tried to drain it, and there was yellowy liquid that came out. After a while it stopped coming out tho', which was when she mentioned that it's possible that it could be in chambers? There is no drainage from the lump itself tho', no opening. The lump seems to be outside the throat, as he isn't having any breathing trouble. When it was smaller, it was slightly offset to the right. But at the current size it's basically out infront of him, like a bullfrog. The vet didn't give me any medication for him. She just told me that she wants to do more research. She also didn't want to attempt to drain it further without doing the research. I have checked up on a local rat lovers' site for listed vets, and will be taking him to one of these tomorrow. It's difficult over here though (South Africa) because there aren't as many vets who specialise in fancy rats. Oh, and age, he's around 1 and a half yrs old..

Answer

He needs another vet, pronto. I am glad your taking him elsewhere tomorrow.  I am going to assume there is someone on the list for you to take him too?

I cant believe he wasnt given antibiotics! This may be an abscess or it may be a lipoma too, but either way, the vet should have taken a sample of the discharge and had it checked out to see what it is.

PLEASE PLEASE let me know what the new vet says!!