i don't know what to do with her, i really can't afford vet, she is still eating, active and social. she is sitting on desk now, cleaning herself and hanging out. tumor is behind right front leg. and rapidlly growing.
2006-09-01 16:07:29 · 9 answers · asked by Cheryl F 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I'm sorry to hear that your rat has a tumor. It's most likely a mammary fibroadenoma. They are very common (50%) in un-spayed rats. They can be surgically removed but recurrence is common. A three year old rat is near the end of its lifespan so it may not be worth it to risk the anesthesia for your rat.
Dr. T
2006-09-01 20:38:54 · answer #1 · answered by lagomorphs2002 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes vets can remove tumors from rats and if this rat has a tumor that is not located on a mammary gland, the vet may be able to remove it. A Biopsy will tell you quickly if the tumor is malignant. Maybe you could make payment arrangements.
People bring us pet rats they don't want any more for one reason or another and we've had several with tumors survive a year or more. When the rat stops eating, have it euthanized, it is best for the rat. They are very clever at hiding their food in the bedding. Watch for bleeding from the rear area also. Since this rat has a fast growing tumor though, it may not have long to live. I have worked with and bred rodents, including rats for more than 14 years. Best wishes to you and the rat. Any quality time is better than being fed to a snake.
2006-09-01 16:19:45 · answer #2 · answered by kriend 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your local vet. Explain your situation. You'd be suprised how caring some vets really are. Maybe you will get lucky and they will check him out for free or at least let you get on a monthly payment plan. I know the vet I use here in PA will do procedures for free, for people who cannot afford it. Some vets really are in it for the animals, not the money.
2006-09-01 16:11:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I'm sorry to hear that you have an identical problem! I have a female also and this thing has gotten (no lie) bigger than a golf ball!
I was told that the price of getting them removed isn't worth it; as they only live a couple of years anyway.
Good luck.
2006-09-01 16:55:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rats are very prone to cancer. I don't think there really is anything short of a vet visit you can do besides make her as happy and comfortable as possible. How lucky of her to have found you to spoil her :)
2006-09-01 16:18:55 · answer #5 · answered by myaddictiontofire 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well if you cant afford the vet then theres really nothing you can do.
2006-09-01 16:09:42 · answer #6 · answered by living2die_0110 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Awww thats really sad but I don think you can do much. Good luck with her!
2006-09-01 16:13:29 · answer #7 · answered by Meow 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let her live the rest of her days apparently it's not bothering her
2006-09-01 16:12:55 · answer #8 · answered by bill j 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
but she cannot eat much i don't know what you can't afford. she might die soon .
2006-09-01 16:11:57 · answer #9 · answered by santa s 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋