How long do rat mammary tumors last & what's UK euthanasia cost?

Oh poor thing! Honestly I'm surprised that the vet even was able to offer to remove a tumor of that size. I think it will be a very extensive surgery, I suspect that the estimate includes some follow up care and accounts for the significance of that surgery (time, material, etc). I would say, it's perfectly reasonable to get a second option if you can find another vet who sees exotics. I would also, gently, say, that depending on her age, euthanasia may be a more kind option then allowing her to go on with the tumor or even surrendering her - depending on the resources of whoever you intend to surrender her to. Wishing her and you the best of luck in this difficult situation.

I'm sorry Lorenzo has a tumor. Unfortunately, rats in general, especially older rats, have a predisposition to developing tumors both benign and malignant. His prognosis depends on the type of tumor as well as its location. To determine either, he would need to be physically examined by your veterinarian and have diagnostics performed. This could include blood work, x-rays, abdominal ultrasound or a fine needle aspirate of the mass. Once you have this information, you can discuss all options with your vet. Good luck!

Hello. Unfortunately, tumors are very common in rats, especially as they age. Were the tumors sent for histopathology to see if they are benign or malignant? If malignant, then it may be time to just make her as comfortable as possible until her time. Benign tumors will not kill her, but you probably know they can get quite large. Either way, Yuki will continue to form tumors. This is just what usually happens with rats. I am sorry. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Poor Oreo. Unfortunately at this age it is common for them to develop masses or tumors. There is no good home remedy to make them go away. I would have your vet look at it to see if it could be surgically removed if needed. Your vet should be able to look st it and let you know if this is cancerous, benign, or an infection. Your vet can also prescribe some pain medicine if ou feel he is uncomfortable. I hope this helps.

Glandular tumors are often malignant cancers so if he is getting more tumors, it may be best to euthanize him. Without seeing him myself and having the entire medical history it is difficult for me to say though. As long as he is eating/drinking and using the bathroom normally you can wait and see but if his quality of life is (or starts to) suffer you should consider euthanasia. Personally I don't think surgery will be curative. Those tumors, in that location, are difficult to completely remove so recurrence is common.

Thank you for your question about Shadow. The most common tumors that occur in the belly/leg regions of rats are mammary tumors. Based on the location that you described, this may be the case with Shadow. The reason I bring this up is because it is very common for these tumors to be like a ball under the skin, and only have a small string of tissue that connects it to the body. So, when they are removed surgically, they shell out very easily once the skin has been cut. There is the potential that after the skin become necrotic that the tumor was able to "fall out" of the defect left in the skin. The other alternative is that it could be becoming very heavy and stretching the areas of skin to make it appear like it has pushed itself out. I would recommend taking Shadow back to your veterinarian, as they may be able to remove this more easily now. This may be a good idea regardless, due to the necrotic tissue that you had described. I didn't see if that was still present now, but they can provide her with antibiotics, if they are indicated, at the same time. I hope that helps to answer your question, and congratulations on having a three year old rat. It says a lot about your care of her.

Hello. Unfortunately, rats are very prone to cancer. If there is already a tumor on her body, there is also a very good possibility that there has been metastasis to the intestines. If you can have her seen by a veterinarian, this would be best, otherwise keep her as warm & comfortable as possible. Feed her whatever she will eat, but if the bleeding does not stop soon, she may not survive long. I hope you can have her seen. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.