First let me say, tomorrow morning Finky is going to the vet. I just need to know if anyone else has seen this or has any idea of what it is. She is a White Fancy Rat about 2.5 yrs old. She has what appears to be a large growth behind her front leg and her side appears to be swollen. It doesn't seem to be slowing her down and still comes for her nightly treat. Any suggestions of what this is? My son said he saw it last night but just thought she was laying odd like it was fat or something. I usually check on her about once every 3 or 4 days to be sure she has food and water, so I haven't seen it. It appeared over about a 3 day period. Help....
2007-03-21 14:22:02 · 6 answers · asked by misstigeress 4 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I just went into his room and she is breathing odd. She is grunting like she would when she "talks". But she was asleep. Normally she is very quiet.
2007-03-21 14:30:56 · update #1
ok it sounds like it could be a tumor or a cyst. i breed rats all kinds of them and when i get one like this there is nothing you can do because with her bieng her age(2.5) that is a very good life for them. tumors are more common in rats and when they get them it will take about 2-3 weeks before you see any slowing down. you can take her to the vet and they can try to drain it, remove it, or leave it. but either way if they drain it or remove it there is a possibility that it will come back and it will be bigger then before. as long as she is eating, drinking, and still herself then just leave her be and don't wast the money because it will be very costly to have her treated. i don't like to tell you this but as a rat breeder it is hard to make the desion to have it fixed and then it will come back but worse then what it was like before. just make her as comfortable as you can and have fun with her. aslos to keep a watch on her because i have seen the lump(tumor or cyst) burst open and when that happens it is time to think of having her put down. rats will normally live to be about 2-3 yrs old and that is with giving them a very good life. sorry to hear that about your little girl but you can do what you feel that you want to do but my suggestion or advice is to don't spend the money because you might not want to hear what your vet will tell you. plus if your vet says they can fix it get as much info on what they will do and ask how much it will cost because some vets will just tell you that you need to have it done and then charge you an arm and leg for the procedures. just be careful on what you decide and get all the info before you do anything. good mluck
2007-03-21 16:52:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi -
Having been a rat owner, and a veterinary technician for 30 years, yes, I have seen this. Sadly, your little buddy is considered to be a senior citizen at this point. On a possibly even uglier note, rats have been so over bred that they almost always develop cancerous tumors by the time they are 18 months old. I would like to go on record stating to any doubters that rats are WONDERFUL pets. They are loving and fun to have. I hope I am wrong but with his labored breathing that is my concern. The tumors do grow almost before your eyes. Best wishes. If you desire further information you may email Dr. Robb at www.protectthepets.com - he will answer any questions you may have. His direct email is drrobb@protectthepets.com
2007-03-21 21:43:30 · answer #2 · answered by PJA 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The growth sounds like it could be a tumour, I've had 3 rats that have had tumours removed by vets before, they were all fine after.. as for the breathing, sounds like your poor rat could have mycoplasma/mycoplasmosis, which is a common respiratory disease in rats. Basically, if your rat lives its whole life without getting it, its pretty lucky. Thats how common it is. I've had a few rats with it before, your vet can give you medication for it like Baytril, which wont cure it but will make it easier for your ratty to breathe. Otherwise, having your rat in the bathroom with you when you have a shower, and the bathroom is all steamy, is supposed to also help.
Good luck with the vet.
2007-03-21 21:47:11 · answer #3 · answered by ingabish 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seeng as she is an older rat, it's likely it could be a cyst. Like dogs or cats they sometimes develop them in their old age (rats usually live 2-3 years). However it's good that you're taking her to the vet, as it may also be an unseen injury or perhaps a tumor =( Best of luck, I hope she's alright.
2007-03-21 21:26:34 · answer #4 · answered by dolce 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a tumor. My rats have gotten them before, and female rats are much more prone to getting them than males. It's good that you're taking her to the vet because it'll just keep growing (and growing, and growing). The vet will more than likely give you a couple options, One is surgery, to remove the tumor, and the other will be to put your rat to sleep. it's a tough decision to make, seeings as your rat is kinda old. (they usually live 2-4 years), and surgery could be costly, but nobody wants to put their pet to sleep.
:( sorry about your little ratty. Good luck on your tough decision.
2007-03-21 23:45:43 · answer #5 · answered by Dani 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My very young rat (about 6 months) developed a small growth on her side a few weeks ago, it does feel like fat and it does not bother her. Lipomas are common (just really fat) and are not cancerous.
2007-03-21 21:30:04 · answer #6 · answered by Bridget W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋