Lump on rat

Re: Lump on rat

Kim Buckley — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:54:31 GMT

I was so lucky with my rattys as they never got lumpy. They had their fair share of resp problems though.

Why not just keep an eye on it and if it gets any bigger then have it removed. That's what I would do.

Re: Lump on rat

Honeybadger — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:19:25 GMT

You could have a fine needle aspirate done and either send to the lab or get someone to look under the microscope for you. My ratties usually tolertae this well when conscious (although the lump is quite small so this may be difficult) It could possibly be a cyst and an FNA could tell you this.

Re: Lump on rat

Tracy Windler RVN — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:12:10 GMT

Hi, could be any number of things- but as mentioned, non-malignant lumps are common in rats and they often grow quickly. Pehaps check the size and if it starts to grow fast, get it taken off- although I've had problems with my rats chewing sutures! Usually the big problem with them is causing irritation or getting in the way, if its removed before its too big, they can remove surrounding tissue and have plenty of skin left to close the wound, plus it wont get to the stage where its rubbing on the ground, becoming ulcerated or causing lameness etc

Re: Lump on rat

Vicky RVN — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 10:28:27 GMT

I've not heard of it before...hopefully someone who's had ratties will be able to answer

Re: Lump on rat

epartrick — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 20:33:11 GMT

Do you know if they can just get pimples on the skin? Thats what hers looks like at the moment

Re: Lump on rat

Vicky RVN — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 20:16:45 GMT

I would get it taken off while it's still small if i were you. It's sad how common lumps are in ratties. Cuddles to your little one x

Re: Lump on rat

Kim Buckley — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 20:02:06 GMT

Lumps are very common in rats and unfortunately they normally keep getting them. I would keep an eye on it but if it starts getting bigger then I would get it removed before it gets too big. Nurse I used to work with had a rat who I think we took about 4 lumps off because it kept growing back. She did really well though and recovered well from the op each time.