Tumor or Abscess?

[Good Karma]

Hi Everyone,

I have been away since Sunday and just got back. My husband has been feeding my little ratties since then. Today, when i took all my rats out i noticed a large lump on the shoulder of one of my boys.

It is on his right shoulder and is about the side of 1/2 a large gum ball. It covers his whole shoulder.

I am trying to figure out weather it is an abscess or a tumor. I think its a tumor, but i am shocked that is has grown so fast!

One of my other rats had an abscess once and this does not look much like it.

The area is quite firm and very round. It is not discolored, however there is a scratch on it - Pedley is always fighting with his brother.

If it is a tumor I guess it could have been growing on him undetected for a little while - he is not the cuddliest rat, he always springs out of my hands. And i guess it has just grown a whole lot in the past week?

If it is, in fact, a tumor and it is growing this fast, what should i do?

I don't know how old Pedley is, he was a rescue, probably between 1 and 2 years.

Thanks,

Tara

 

[lilspaz68]

males like to bite at shoulders and butts when they argue, my guess is an abscess.

 

[jorats]

I would always assume it's an abscess first... treated as an abscess and if that doesn't work then could be a cyst or a tumor.

 

[Good Karma]

Yes, you guys were right! It was an abscessed and it cleared up nicely!

 

[jorats]

:joy:

 

[SQ]

:thumbup:

 

[Fidget]

It's so nice to be happy about an abscess! :happydance:

 

[mamarat]

:joy: for abcesses