I dont know what to do for my rat...

Question
QUESTION: Hello there, My rat Walter is about 3 years old and just recently I noticed a huge tumor on his leg. I took him to the vet immediately and she gave me antibiotics. She said he was too old to operate on especially in the condition he was in. I dont understand what she meant by "Condition he is in" because she stated several times that I -carewise- have done everything good for him. The antibiotics worked great for him because he had a light sneeze every so often and since Ive given him these antibiotics I havent heard a peep. He eats his food and drinks and has the same energy as always, just this tumor on his foot is really big and it bleeds every so often. :( What should I do for him?

ANSWER: Jamie

Where is this tumor on his foot, exactly?  On the bottom of his foot?

Also, age is NOT a disease, it is just a number!  There is no reason to not operate on a healthy rat to save his life, however, I am very curious to know about this tumor on his foot...how big is it?

Also, is the vet an exotic vet?

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

QUESTION: The tumor is on the side of his foot, it runs from his heel all the way up to the side of his toe. You are 100% right - I do not feel like just because he is older that he doesnt have a chance. Otherwise I wouldnt have taken him to the vet at all. But I care about my little Walter and I want the best for him. Its huge probably the size of a grape. The vet specializes in small animals and cats.

ANSWER: I wish I could see the tumor. It almost sounds like a bumblefoot.

So the vet is not an exotic vet, just a small animal vet which means dogs/cats and NOT horses etc....


When the lump on his food bleeds, does it harden up after or is it always real soft and mushy?

Here is a link I want you to see, let me know if this  looks anything like your rats lump on his foot:

PHOTO 1

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j71/sugarfoxx/Vet%20stuff/bumbleft.jpg



PHOTO 2

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j71/sugarfoxx/Vet%20stuff/Snowy611.jpg

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

QUESTION: I just took a pic for you and I feel nausiated just looking at it. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/SpiritDancer86/walt.jpg That is his foot, it gets hard after it bleeds but it looks God aweful.

Answer
Did you look at the pictures I sent you?

I do believe this may be what your rat has and its not a tumor, although without seeing him in person its hard to say.  Yes I saw the photo and yes its bad but I have seen worse.  Keep pumping the antibiotics but it needs removed.  DO NOT let anyone tell you he is too old.

You need a better vet.  Please let me help save your rat by finding a better vet for him.



REVISED


HI again

I have someone that also is interested in helping you. She asked if you can take more photos at different angles of the lump and email them to both myself and her. Her email is bellaratta@aol.com and of course mine is askcritterkeeper@yahoo.com

We will help you and your beloved rattie so hang in there!