SMall lump on belly

[jorats]

You and your vet will discuss what your options are and if you go with removal which in my opinion, if you can afford it, I would definitely recommend removal. Almost all mammary tumour are benign and not malignant so not cancerous.

 

[belle_foudre]

OK, I was not sure what you ment by "if" you know, like maybe it would not need to be removed, and would not hurt her to have it. Im glad its probably not cancer though, I have read that tumors are very common in rats so I should have expected one sooner or later. Anyway thank you very much for all the help, and I will keep this thread updated.

 

[Moon]

Tumours are funny things, many rats live long and healthy lives with tumours that never really bother them. But, sometimes they really effect them, alter their quality of life and sap all their strength... then you're dealing with a much bigger tumour and a much bigger bill to remove it.

If you can afford it, you should really consider having the tumour removed and having her spayed at the same time, if your vet is comfortable with it.

 

[belle_foudre]

Tumours are funny things, many rats live long and healthy lives with tumours that never really bother them. But, sometimes they really effect them, alter their quality of life and sap all their strength... then you're dealing with a much bigger tumour and a much bigger bill to remove it.

If you can afford it, you should really consider having the tumour removed and having her spayed at the same time, if your vet is comfortable with it.

This is what Im worried about. When we needed to take our reptiles to the vet we had to call around for exotic vets. Im very particular about my animals, so I wanted to know all of the vets exp dealing with exotics. We only found one with reptile exp, and she had a little exp with ferrets. And thats it. Petco uses vets to check the quality of the animals they sell. Well they have a sign that says that they do. And I see the quality of the animals they sell, (I hate petco, but its the only place I can find rat stuff) so I dont want to take them to that vet, if its true. I would have no problem with getting her spayed, if I know the person had done at least a few before. Basiclly my exp with vets in my area has been, we go in and I tell them what I think is wrong and what they should give me, then they tell me they think Im right and they give it to me. So Im worried about a operation. But you guys have been extremly helpful!! I think Im going to wait until the day of the vet visit and if its still the same size I might put off taking her until the size changes.

 

[Moon]

To find a truly good vet you might need to travel a bit. I have vets that I use only for meds and euths, and select others that are much further away but much more capable with surgeries and "scarier" stuff.

I know it can be hard finding a good rat vet. Sometimes you have to settle for the next best thing and find a vet that is willing to learn and call other vets that are known specialists, which can be a whole other battle.