Pet Rat Care: Mammary Tumours
Unfortunately, almost 50% of unspayed female rats will develop mammary tumors by two years of age. These are benign, self-enclosed tumors that will not cause pain, but will grow rapidly, impede mobility and immediately begin using up nutrients that would otherwise nurture your rat. If left untreated, mammary tumors will grow to mammoth sizes leading to eventual death.
Prevention: -Spay your females if possible. Where I live I have yet to find a reliable vet who is willing to do this. However, other options are available, such as the Suprelorin Implant. Either option will reduce the amount of estrogen in your female which drastically lowers the chances of mammary tumors (down to about 4%, some research shows). -You should also avoid feeding soy on a regular basis.
Symptoms: Fleshy lump, most commonly found under the armpits or near the female genitals. As it becomes engorged, the tumor will drastically distend the skin. May burst on occasion and bleed.
Treatment: Surgery is your only option at this point. Due to the location and nature of mammary tumors, removal is generally safe and recovery-time is a few days. Unfortunately, unless spayed, tumors tend to reoccur. Special cage accommodations, food accommodations and pain management will be necessary if tumor cannot be removed due to age or other illnesses. Euthanasia may have to be considered in certain circumstances.
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