i believe my rat is dying from a tumor

Question
QUESTION: I've had my rat for a little over two years. recently I've noticed a growth on his hip, it didn't seem to hurt him and would mostly go away, and come back. i went away on vacation for a week and when i came back my rats health seemed ok, but the growth is now almost as large as his body. he has trouble walking, and one end near his tail looks like a bed sore. i don't know of any vets in my area (40505) that work with rats, that would want to help me save him, other than want to just euthanise him.  I've raised rats before and his diet is pretty varied, and nearly every rat I've owned at some point after a year or more they start growing what i believe to be tumors. i have heard from other rat people that they are inoperable, and very expensive.

ANSWER: Hi Clinton,

The other rat people that tell you they are inoperable just never looked in the right place. Vets remove tumors all the time. It has become so routine that some vets claim they could do it with one hand tied behind their back. lol!  It is also not very expensive but that also depends on what you consider to be expensive.  This also varies. I have paid $150 for tumor removal and this included a two day stay at the clinic and some vets charge more.  
The sad thing about people that say that dont really know the truth and in turn their little rat goes without treatment where it is readily available.   Sometimes they are just abscesses that drain.  I am not sure if it is the case with your little guy but it may be an infected tumor.  It can be removed by a qualified vet so dont worry about that.  
Is he losing weight at all?

Check at my website at various photos of rats with tumors. Most of them are female rats with classic mammary tumors but males get them too.

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


Also for a vet near you, your in luck!  Dr. Zaffarano is a fantastic exotic vet and cares
for all small mammals, from rats to sugargliders!! I would call for an appointment as soon as possible so your rat doesnt develop sepsis from the infection it sounds like his tumor has developed.

Dr. Bianca Zaffarano
Pennyroyal Small and Exotic Animal Hospital    
247 Regency Circle
Lexington KY 40503
Phone:    859-277-4315
Website: www.pennyroyalvet.com

_________

Meanwhile, dont believe the other people that say they are inoperable. I do this for a living, trust me, they can be removed and they are not very expensive.  Also do NOT let anyone tell you that your boy is too old. He is NOT too old. If he has been healthy up to this point, he would do wonderful with surgery again, with a good vet of course.

Also, while on my site, check out the diet page. Sometimes diet plays a big part in the growth of tumors that are not related to estrogen and mammary tumors.  Some foods can promote the growth of tumors in rats, especially with commercial rat seed mixes such as those that contain hard corn kernels.  These corn kernels have been found to contain a toxic mold in them that has been linked to known carcinogens and so it has been said for several years to avoid rat mixes that contain hard corn or corn as the first ingredient such as in lab blocks.  If it is listed second or third, it is acceptable, but listed first is not.

Anyhow, please let me know how things are going. Hang in there


Sandra

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

QUESTION: I've heard of pennyroyal, and always thought of them as expensive. I'll call tomorrow and see what i can get going. I've lost many ratties from these tumors and i feel so terrible that i barely make the money to feed them, let alone a $150 vet bill.  when i first got Nicodemus he had a little buddy as company, after about a few months his buddy started having convulsions and later died, and the store where i got them has since closed and i have been out of the breeding loop to know where to get him some company as I've dropped off in the playing with him department. i feel like such a terrible owner now, that I've let this tumor get so large on him.  maybe I should stick to larger pets like my jack russel.

Answer
Hey dont feel so bad, this economy stinks. From gas prices to people losing their homes, God help our children and childrens children.

Also, dogs can be just as pricey as rats.  Are you kidding, my cat just had to have his tail amputated just as our simulus check came, wouldnt you know it, the cost of the surgery and of course, complications afterwards, sucked up every single last $1200 we were given.

Maybe a regular DVM that has experience with rats would be easier on your pocket book....even allowing payment plans.  Even the other vet that I listed may be willing to let you work things out. I am used to Vets with the motto behind their care saying that if finances are in the way, they will work things out rather than allow the animal to suffer.
Some non exotic vets are actually wonderful with rats but its a matter of finding them and researching them.  I can try that if you want...and possibly suggest a payment plan too.  let me know...