I need help! Male rat has a lump!

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Ratrats

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Just last night I was playing with one of my male rats and when I picked him up I noticed he had a small grape sized lump near his private parts and I'm not sure what that means and I would like to get some help! Please!
 
So it could be a few things, depending on location - tumor (benign or malignant), a penis plug (about as fun as it sounds), a cyst or abscess. There are some recommendations and videos online for checking for and clearing plugs, but a general rule is if you're not comfortable (and are afraid of injuring him), leave it to a vet. The other options... well, if you can tell for certain, most cysts go away on their own over time. Abscesses and tumors may require veterinary intervention.

There is nothing I can think of that would be immediately life-threatening - though, if a plug, this will inhibit his ability to urinate which can be extremely painful and have some negative side effects (such as infection).
 
So it could be a few things, depending on location - tumor (benign or malignant), a penis plug (about as fun as it sounds), a cyst or abscess. There are some recommendations and videos online for checking for and clearing plugs, but a general rule is if you're not comfortable (and are afraid of injuring him), leave it to a vet. The other options... well, if you can tell for certain, most cysts go away on their own over time. Abscesses and tumors may require veterinary intervention.

There is nothing I can think of that would be immediately life-threatening - though, if a plug, this will inhibit his ability to urinate which can be extremely painful and have some negative side effects (such as infection).

I have photos and it's been developing and I didn't see a plug cause he's be peeing and pooping just fine, but here's the photos. Also the first photo was taken on July 22 and the picture with the black spot that wasn't there before was taken today July 29 this spot developed within a week and thank you so much for helping me out :)
 

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That's what we call a Preputial gland abscess, the black is an indication that it's going to pop soon so if you see a hole, do not panic! You can help it pop with a warm wet compess like a towel. Daily saline rinses are ideal once it's popped and he should heal up within a week or two if there's not anything else going on! If you notice the wound not healing or the abscess keeps recurring I would get him a vet visit to see what's up.
 
That's what we call a Preputial gland abscess, the black is an indication that it's going to pop soon so if you see a hole, do not panic! You can help it pop with a warm wet compess like a towel. Daily saline rinses are ideal once it's popped and he should heal up within a week or two if there's not anything else going on! If you notice the wound not healing or the abscess keeps recurring I would get him a vet visit to see what's up.

He won't have internal organ damage if it pops cause thats scary thought also thank you very very much I truly appreciate it !!
 
Nope he won't have internal damage, my boy had one and he healed up beautifully !
 
Nope he won't have internal damage, my boy had one and he healed up beautifully !

That's good news! I'm happy your boy healed nicely! Does he need surgery at all?? Cause I read somewhere that it needs a vet And once it pops how often do I have to clean it??
 
Ideally you should clean it once or twice a day. And no my boy never needed surgery, the only time it should need a surgery is if it's a tumor, not an abscess, but I'm confident that yours is an abscess not a tumor.
 
Ideally you should clean it once or twice a day. And no my boy never needed surgery, the only time it should need a surgery is if it's a tumor, not an abscess, but I'm confident that yours is an abscess not a tumor.

How do rats get these?? And what's a good brand of products do you recommend to use for cleaning and such?? Cause I want to buy the right things :)
 
Preputial glands are just prone to bacterial infection, they're incredibly common ! As for the buying you actually want to make it at home so that you ensure only salt and water are being used, nothing else. There are many recipes and it's very easy to make!
 
Preputial glands are just prone to bacterial infection, they're incredibly common ! As for the buying you actually want to make it at home so that you ensure only salt and water are being used, nothing else. There are many recipes and it's very easy to make!

Awesome thank you so much! How long will it take to pop?? And should I get a vet to check it out just in case? Sorry if I'm asking to many questions I don't wanna miss anything haha
 
Awesome thank you so much! How long will it take to pop?? And should I get a vet to check it out just in case? Sorry if I'm asking to many questions I don't wanna miss anything haha
No such thing as too many questions, better safe than sorry ! If it's turned black it should pop within a few days, but if you want to going to the vet couldn't hurt ! Odds are they'll either tell you the same stuff or offer to lance and drain it which is also perfectly fine. They might also prescribe an antibiotic as an extra kick in the rear to the infection.
 
No such thing as too many questions, better safe than sorry ! If it's turned black it should pop within a few days, but if you want to going to the vet couldn't hurt ! Odds are they'll either tell you the same stuff or offer to lance and drain it which is also perfectly fine. They might also prescribe an antibiotic as an extra kick in the rear to the infection.

Alrighty thank you! And one more question how long do I have to hold the warm towel there?
 
Alrighty thank you! And one more question how long do I have to hold the warm towel there?
A minute or two would be good if he can tolerate it, if not just as long as he'll let you ! But there's no such thing as holding it there for too long so don't worry about that
 
A minute or two would be good if he can tolerate it, if not just as long as he'll let you ! But there's no such thing as holding it there for too long so don't worry about that

Ok thank you so much for your help!
 
I wanted to add that once it’s drained he will feel so much relief from the discomfort. If you have the means I’d say run him over to the vet where they can make quick work of the cyst, drain it and save him a few days of any pain.
 
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