Lump on 10 week old rat??

[Pepper_rat]

I just got a baby 2 weeks ago and I noticed a blueberry sized lump one her neck right under her chin. It wasn’t there when I picked her up two weeks ago but she’s been getting to know me so I don’t know when it started but it’s freaking me out. Is it possible for a rat this young to have cancer? I’m scheduling a vet appointment of course but I’m super worried and I’m hoping someone has some advice for this. Thanks!

 

[lilspaz68]

Can you post a pic of where it is? In the middle of the throat or under the mouth/, jaw? These can have 2 different implications depending all on location.

 

[Pepper_rat]

You can’t really see it in pictures. But it’s on her neck more on her throat than jaw. I’ll try to get a picture but I can mostly just feel it

 

[lilspaz68]

Is it a round lump right in the middle? Is she sneezing?

 

[Pepper_rat]

Is it a round lump right in the middle? Is she sneezing?

Yes it’s perfectly round. Right in the middle of her neck. She hasn’t been sneezing but a couple days ago she was. What do you think it is?

 

[lilspaz68]

Possibly SDA virus. Its running rampant through the U.S. right now.
What you need to do is watch/listen for any other of your rats to start sneezing or getting sick. Feel everyones throats for that telltale lump in the throat. The lump should resolve within a week for your girl so keep an eye on her too.

 

[Pepper_rat]

Is there anything we can do to fight this or is there anything the vet could do? I haven’t gone to my appt for Cinnamon bun (the one with the lump) but do you think they can help?

 

[Pepper_rat]

I got a picture of it. There’s a red spot in the middle? Is this an abscess?

 

[Pepper_rat]

The lump seems to be scabbing over? Is this normal?

 

[lilspaz68]

This sounds more like an abscess *whew*. Once it opens up you van flush it with homemade isotonic saline twice a day until it heals. No ointments