[sbutler2018]

Hi all! My around 9 month girl has had a lump under her chin since I got her three months ago. The person I bought her from said nothing about this, so I've always assumed my rat (Gwendolynn) has always had this. Our vet checked it out, gave us some antibiotics just in case, but said she can't find out more unless we do more diagnostic tests. I know very little about cancer in rats. One of my past rats had a lump in his cheek, which was from an infection/wound, and had to be drained at the vets. I'm worried this isn't the same thing, because with my other rat, it happened suddenly. This time it's much more gradual. But, Gwendolynns lump is growing.

She will be going to the vet soon, and is starting back up on antibiotics.

(Photos are enhanced)

 

[KeithB]

I'm sorry to hear about Gwendolynn's lump. The good thing is that if she has had it for six months or more it must be very gradual, and you are doing the right thing getting her seen by the vet again. I hope you get to the bottom of it and that she is OK.

 

[SonicRat]

I think it is unlikely to be cancer at that grows very fast in rats .It could be a cyst which hopefully the vets will be able to remove .

 

[sbutler2018]

We chatted with the vet during our visit with our cat, and she kind of let us know her official opinion about the lump.

As the mass is getting larger, and seems to involve her teeth/jaw bone, the vet is obviously worried. She mentioned how we can continue to give antibiotics to try to "keep it at bay" for as long as we can. Otherwise, we can do an x-ray, which could lead to an eventual surgery. Even with Care Credit, I'm worried we won't be able to pay for the surgery needed, plus I am very worried how well she will heal from an oral procedure. I have a lot of post-surgery resources to help her healing process, but I am looking for any and all advice. Thank you!

Of course, I am not 100% sure we will go down the surgery route, and even if it will be needed. The vet did say (following a question from my husband) that it is highly likely the mass will effect her life-quality as it grows larger, causing her teeth to get messed up, pain, and an inability to eat properly. She said Gwen may have to be euthanized later in her life, especially if we just do antibiotics and allow the mass to stay.

 

[KeithB]

Sad to hear that. Somehow I had missed the second photo until now and it does look concerning. Personally I'd be inclined to get her X-rayed so that you at least know what the options currently are, and even if there are no viable or affordable removal options at least it would let the vet know what sort of meds would be best to slow its growth and manage any pain. Obviously if whatever it is is getting mixed up with her jaw then any options for treatment are likely to get more difficult and expensive the bigger it gets. I'm sorry you are in this situation and hope you can find a solution for her.

 

[sbutler2018]

Thanks for your response, Keith! I reached out to the vet after I gave Gwendolynn a quick inspection. While she was very squirmy (maybe due to pain, too) I could see that the base of her front teeth (particularly the right tooth) was black/red and swollen. It seemed that the tooth itself was black on the base, and the gums below were bright red and inflamed. So, I can now plainly see that this is already begin to affect her, possibly causing this tooth infection.

So, we reached out to the vet and are planning to go ahead with the X-ray. I also forget what antibiotic she's on already, but I hope to check tonight and I'll update this post! She's on a dose twice a day. I also give her Bene-bac every Wednesday, to help with the effect the med has on her stomach.

I guess where I'm at is that, while we probably can't afford any surgery, we are interested in her getting an x-ray done, so (as you said, Keith) she can be given the right meds for the issue. Our vet is very concerned of the idea of dental work for small rodents, as well as the idea of this mass altering Gwen's jaw bone. Of course, we are worried too! I feel very guilty that she can't get the best care she needs, just because I can't afford it. But, I plan to make her comfortable and keep her safe and healthy for as long as I can.

Thanks again for your response!

 

[sbutler2018]

UPDATE 9/10/25:

I just emailed our vet - she's been on a twice-daily dose of antibiotics for about a week now. Unfortunately, I think the lump is getting larger. They quoted us for $300-400, specifically for two X-ray pictures while she's under anesthesia. The cost also includes take-home medications.

Another issue we're having is her eye. Since day one, it's gone through phases of being squinted, to crusty around it. For the past few days, it's been crusty. Should I put anything on it, or try to clean it up? What do you think it could be? Thank you in advance for any and all advice!

 

[RatPappy]

Hello sbutler! Just wanted to check in with you and see how you and Gwen are holding up. Poor baby. Of all the troubles our Rats and their hyoomans suffer those involving face and head are the toughest. Sending good thoughts, please let us know how you're doing. 🐀💖

 

[sbutler2018]

Thank you so much for reaching out! We are doing alright - unsure if her lump has remained the same size or grown bigger since my last post on here. The vet gave us a cheaper option, to the tune of around $157 for one X-ray image, and no cytology/examination of the mass. I intend to have them "add on" those things, if they end up being necessary for a diagnosis.

Just for anyone reading this - never be afraid to reach out to your vet's office, and ask for "financial forgiveness". This doesn't mean you won't have to pay, but maybe they can lower the price, or offer you a payment plan

Thanks again RatPappy!

 

[RatPappy]

Thank you so much for reaching out! We are doing alright - unsure if her lump has remained the same size or grown bigger since my last post on here. The vet gave us a cheaper option, to the tune of around $157 for one X-ray image, and no cytology/examination of the mass. I intend to have them "add on" those things, if they end up being necessary for a diagnosis.

Just for anyone reading this - never be afraid to reach out to your vet's office, and ask for "financial forgiveness". This doesn't mean you won't have to pay, but maybe they can lower the price, or offer you a payment plan

Thanks again RatPappy!

Thank you so much for reaching out! We are doing alright - unsure if her lump has remained the same size or grown bigger since my last post on here. The vet gave us a cheaper option, to the tune of around $157 for one X-ray image, and no cytology/examination of the mass. I intend to have them "add on" those things, if they end up being necessary for a diagnosis.

Just for anyone reading this - never be afraid to reach out to your vet's office, and ask for "financial forgiveness". This doesn't mean you won't have to pay, but maybe they can lower the price, or offer you a payment plan

Thanks again RatPappy!

Good to hear, and good advice! ❤🐀😊

 

[sbutler2018]

Hi again everyone. Today, we dropped Gwendolynn off at the vet today for her xray appointment. It seems that, due to the damage the mass has caused, Gwendolynn will have to be put down. Her bottom jaw would have to be removed, if we decided on surgery, and even then, there's no guarantee she'll recover from the surgery. This was what the vet warned us about, so a part of me knew this was coming. But, otherwise, I am heartbroken. The vet says she's in a lot of pain, and I see it too - whenever I attempt to examine her and the abscess, she freaks out and is obviously uncomfortable. Also, the vet says that it is highly unlikely that the infection will kill her, and she will more or less just suffer until she passes in another way. I guess I'm curious if putting her down is the best option for her? I've been feeding her a double mash diet - one mash I bought from Etsy and it has to be cooked. The other mash is just their regular pellet mix, soaked in water and softened. Anyway, let me know what you think about everything, and thank you for being here 💗

Pros of Euthanization:

• She would no longer be in pain. (Her quality of life is lower due to the pain she is in.)
• She would no longer be limited in what she can or can't eat.
• Is the "cheaper" option (costs would include euthanasia and cremation)

Cons of Euthanization:

• She is still eating (not hard foods, but she is eating soft foods) and has not lost any weight from her last very visit to this one.
• Other that the growth of the mass, she seems in good spirits! She can keep up with Mirabelle, climb and jump all around the cage, etc.

 

[UKratman]

Hi again everyone. Today, we dropped Gwendolynn off at the vet today for her xray appointment. It seems that, due to the damage the mass has caused, Gwendolynn will have to be put down. Her bottom jaw would have to be removed, if we decided on surgery, and even then, there's no guarantee she'll recover from the surgery. This was what the vet warned us about, so a part of me knew this was coming. But, otherwise, I am heartbroken. The vet says she's in a lot of pain, and I see it too - whenever I attempt to examine her and the abscess, she freaks out and is obviously uncomfortable. Also, the vet says that it is highly unlikely that the infection will kill her, and she will more or less just suffer until she passes in another way. I guess I'm curious if putting her down is the best option for her? I've been feeding her a double mash diet - one mash I bought from Etsy and it has to be cooked. The other mash is just their regular pellet mix, soaked in water and softened. Anyway, let me know what you think about everything, and thank you for being here 💗

Pros of Euthanization:

• She would no longer be in pain. (Her quality of life is lower due to the pain she is in.)
• She would no longer be limited in what she can or can't eat.
• Is the "cheaper" option (costs would include euthanasia and cremation)

Cons of Euthanization:

• She is still eating (not hard foods, but she is eating soft foods) and has not lost any weight from her last very visit to this one.
• Other that the growth of the mass, she seems in good spirits! She can keep up with Mirabelle, climb and jump all around the cage, etc.

Really sorry to hear this, was hoping she might have a chance, poor girl. You're doing and have done all you can under the circumstances.

I think when the time comes the decision makes itself, it comes down to quality of life and if she's in a great deal of pain i think, given what you've said, my only question to the vet is - is there anything we can, pain relief-wise to eliminate that pain?

The hardest part of caring for our animals is this trade off of when the time is right. Its a real dilemma if shes engaged and eating.

I would perhaps lean toward monitoring for a change in that behaviour but if you've ever had a dental abscess, it could be intolerable and maybe she's just masking it well. Rats are renowned for this. On the other hand, it depends how much of her ordinary activities shes performing - is she fully engaging with Mirabelle? Comes when you are at the cage? Grooming? Drinking normally?

Alas nobody could really make the decision other than you. I would tend to say that one day early is better than one day late when it comes to something like this. Really does sound a knife-edge.

Whenever the time comes, remember, you are making the only judgement you can for her wellbeing.

Thoughts are with you Gwendolynn and Mirablle.

 

[KeithB]

I'm so sorry sbutler2018, that is really sad news.

It sounds like having her PTS is ultimately going to be inevitable. Whether she has enough quality of life at the moment (or with pain meds) to delay that for a few weeks or months is something only you and the vet can judge. You could try the meds and see if she still shows signs of pain, though there is always the risk that the pain would just be reduced to a level she is able to mask better. I agree with UKratman that if she is suffering it would be better to give her peace earlier than necessary rather than waiting until she is clearly in distress. It is always horrible having to make that call, and my thoughts are with you as well.

 

[sbutler2018]

Thank you all so much for your kind words. We are going away from the 7th to the 14th (they will be watched and fed while we are away). I don't want Mirabelle to lose Gwendolynn, and then we go away for a week and leave her alone, so we are waiting until we return to euthanize Gwen.

I love her so much and I feel so horrible she's going through this. Truly, she looks like a Muppet - everyday the lump seems bigger.

Picture taken 10/2.