Lump on Neck

1597 Views 9 Replies 3 Participants Last post by DonnaK, Sep 5, 2007

Michelle-Tanner

Discussion Starter · Aug 31, 2007

Tonight I just noticed my youngest rat has a lump on her neck. It has me worried, especially since I didn't notice it yesterday or even earlier today. It must be growing very fast or I am sure I would have noticed it yesterday if it was this big. It's about the size of a pea, just above and to the right of her left shoulder. I expect I will take her to a vet soon, but until then what does it sound like she has?
She's not even an old rat. I've had her less than a month, and she was the size of a hamster when I got her so she's young.

-MT

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DonnaK

· #2 · Aug 31, 2007

As you said, you really do need to get her to the vets, and asap if it's growing that fast.

Can you describe how it feels? Is it hard? Soft? Does it move under the skin? As I understand it, abscesses are soft and move under the skin and I think tumors are hard... I'm sure somebody with experience in lumps will be along, soon. Does she seem in any pain with it?

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DonnaK

· #4 · Aug 31, 2007

The best I can say, really, is try and get to a vets tomorrow. Not all tumors are dangerous, but the longer you leave them, the more difficult and expensive they are to remove. I think, if I remember rightly, they also prove as a drain on the rat. If it's an abscess, it'll be pretty straight forward to get rid of, with the vet's help.

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DonnaK

· #6 · Sep 1, 2007

Any news on this? Did you manage to get her to a vet?

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DonnaK

· #8 · Sep 5, 2007

I can't think of any reason why she shouldn't heal well and have her fur grow back, if the surgery went ok. When you say unsightly mess... do you mean the surgery site, or is there something that doesn't look right about it? Can you post a picture of what it looks like so people can give you a definitive answer?

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DonnaK

· #10 · Sep 5, 2007

That should grow back just fine. Keep an eye on it for any signs of swelling or infection and that she is keeping it clean. I don't think you need to worry.

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