My mouse has a lump overnight. What to do if I can't afford a vet?

Thanks for your question about Tiny, and thank you for the photos - they are very helpful. Based on the location on the mass, and how fast it has come on, I would be concerned that it could be an infection, or potentially a tumor. I would recommend taking Tiny into a veterinarian. They can perform an examination, and can put a needle into the mass, remove some cells, and put the cells under the microscope for evaluation. Depending on what they find, they may have medications that they can prescribe (for example, antibiotics if it is an infection). Please don’t give any human medications to Tiny, as many of them are harmful to our furry friends. I hope that gives you a place to start, and that Tiny feels better soon.

Thanks for reaching out about Yuki and including photos. Soft masses in the axilla or inguinal areas, are often mammary in nature. Most mammary tumors in rats are benign but not all. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a treatment plan. A second possibility is a fatty tumor (lipoma) which are also benign. Good luck.

A lump on the neck could be an enlarged lymph node, abscess or gland (thyroid). If your pet is weak, a veterinary visit ASAP is recommended. Small animals typically do not have much stored energy reserves, and by the time they appear sick, they have been ill for a period of time. Some of these conditions might respond well to treatments (infection) versus neoplasia, which can be treated but with difficulty.

Hello. In cats, pretty much all lumps are going to be bite abscesses from other cats until proven otherwise. Is Suki limping or favoring the paw? If so, she should see a veterinarian & started on some antibiotics. I hope Suki is doing well soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I would recommend having Peachy examined by a vet. Mice can develop tumors just like humans, and with the small size of their body, it can be some obviously large very quickly. A vet will do an exam and determine if this is the case. If it is, they can discuss treatment options and help you watch out for signs of decreasing quality of life.

It has the appearance of an abscess or other infection. She likely needs antibiotics for treatment. These require an exam with your veterinarian before they can be dispensed. In the meantime, keep the area clean and dry. The most you can do is use diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) to cleanse the area daily. Monitor for lethargy or loss of appetite.

If Hannibal has an abscess, this is actually painful and can make him quite sick. Hamsters are good at hiding illnesses and pain because they are prey animals, so he may be feeling pretty badly without seeing obvious signs. The best thing for him is to have him seen by a vet in the morning. An abscess has to be treated by a vet.