Lumps
Although rats (especially female rats) are often prone to mammary tumours, there are other types of lumps and bumps that may crop up from time to time.
Identification
Treatment - apply a warm compress two or three times a day until the abscess opens up. It should then be flushed several times a day with saline, or a sterile solution like hibiscrub or pevidine. A small syringe can be beneficial to this process.
The wound should be encouraged to stay open and allowed to heal from the inside out. If it closes over again, reinfection is likely.
Stubborn abscesses may need to be drained by the vet and systemic antibiotics given to prevent infection tracking around the body.
Subaceous cysts are not uncommon in adult male rats. Often these feel like small hard lumps, that don't appear to grow (often situated on the back). These may resolve themselves with no treatment, or may need removed by the vet.
Mammary tumours tend to crop up along the sides of the body, in the armpit area and in the groin. Your vet can best advise if surgical removal is an option. They can appear in any age of rat, but it is worth paying particular attention once your females are over 16 months of age.
Lymphatic tumours are also something to be aware off - pay attention to swellings on the side of the head, and abdominal area. Again, seek prompt medical advice.
Some rats may be genetically predisposed to tumour risk, but you can take some preventative measures by feeding a healthy, balanced diet and considering appropriate supplements.
The first picture shows a ruptured tumour. Tammy’s tumour was too close to her urinary tract for the vet to operate. However she lived comfortably with the tumour for several more months. The tumour was kept clean and her overall health monitored closely.
Apple shows a typical mammary tumour before and after surgery. She recovered from surgery well.
The drawing below shows how extensive mammary tissue is on rats and mice.
