Sugar has a lump

Question
QUESTION: Hi, we are new rat owners and have 3 sisters.  The little hooded one is named Sugar and about 3 weeks ago we noticed a lump just under her chin.  It hasn't grown a whole lot, but went from nothing to noticeable very quickly.  Th lump wiggles from side to side. It's firm, but squishy - not rock hard.  She's acting totally normal with a good appetite.  She is the smaller of the 3, but seems healthy and happy otherwise.  

We did take her to our vet, but he was unsure what it was. He didn't feel it was tumor, but possibly and infection of some sort in her lymph nodes.  We weren't entirely impressed with his rat knowledge. What do you think it is or could be?
Oh, they're somewhere around 2-3 months old.
Thank you.


ANSWER: Hi Vikki

For starters, you need a new vet. ;-)

I feel this is probably an abscess and it can resolve itself but its faster if you do it by holding (or trying to) hold a warm compress on the lump and after that, gently push around the base of the lump. It may explode with pus or some other nasty ooze so beware.  Is there a scab on it now?

If it does burst, you can irrigate it with saline solution and pack it with neosporin ointment.
If it doesnt burst, it may be a little cyst, but by all means, lets find you another vet.

Can you tell me your location and the cities around you?



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

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your advice.  I'm in Colorado, the Aurora area.

I don't see a scab on the lump, but then she doesn't really let me look.  Sugar is just really unhappy with all the attention to her neck, LOL.


ANSWER: I have vets in Boulder, Westminster, Lakewood, Denver, Centennial, Golden.   Which is closer?  I do think out of all of these there is one that is awesome but I cant remember which city.  Let me know and I will be right back with you!

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

QUESTION: The one in Centennial would probably be closes.  

We've now gotten a good look at Sugar and she does have a scab now.  The lump is slightly smaller.  She is currently in love with a child's sock filled with rice and heated in the microwave.  It's just about the size of her sister and she loves snuggling it on my daughter's neck.  This has turned out to be a great way to get heat on her lump.  I really appreciate all your help.

Answer
Below is the vet in Centennial.  As for the lump, it may have leaked some pus and this is why there is a scab. Since she is allowing the warm rice bag on her lump, this may bring it to a head. Its a good idea to try to express it yourself if you can by gently  but firmly pressing around the base of it and getting the pus out. Once this happens, irrigate it with a syringe full of saline solution (if you dont have any, I can tell you how to make it yourself) and also put neosporin ointment in the hole as well. You MUST do this to help the infection. Of course this is only if you can get it to pop. I hope you dont get grossed out easy....if so, have someone else do it.  The rat may protest at first but it should pop after a few tries. If she really gets upset, stop and allow the vet to look at it. If it does pop though you probably wont even need a vet if you can clean it out yourself.  


Here is the vet I have, but I do have more and in fact there is one that is totally awesome I will get the name of and write on a follow up so check back for that too.


Dr. Jerry LaBonde
Homestead Animal Hospital    
6900 S. Holly Circle
Centennial CO 80112
Phone:    303-771-7350