I think my rat has a tumor

[mxmvlcty]

hi...I have a hairless rat that I estimate is around four or five months old. this morning I noticed a hard lump on one side of her face. I already took her to the vet and bought medicine for a respiratory infection last month, and I really just can't afford to even pay for another office visit, much less surgery. I need to know if there is a chance this is not tumor, or if anyone knows a free visit clinic in Orlando. she is so young and I didn't think she could have a tumor so small, and it also seems to have developed overnight. I am so upset and I don't know what to do...please help me.

[ghost_desire]

Well if this is a tumor you need to take her to the vet, I don't think there is anything you can do that avoids the vet. I do not have rats nor have I ever but I know in other animals or people you can't just ignore a tumor. I hope everything works out!

[Hanlou]

Hi. I'm afraid I can only echo what's been said.

It could be an abcess, not a tumour, but if it is, she will need antibiotics at any rate. If your rats have been fighting at all, this is very likely. Antibiotics aren't as expensive as a lumpectomy though. Being hard, it could easily be an abcess.

If it is a tumour (and sadly it could be) and it came up as quickly as you say, then she really needs to see a vet a.s.a.p because it could be malignant. I don't mean to frighten you, but a lump like that won't just go away I'm afraid. Whatever it is, your ratty needs the attention of a vet.

Could you borrow the money from someone? I have a 'visa' card that I use for my ratties' emergencies.

I really hope your little one will be ok anyway.

[SERR_Rodentry]

It actually may be an abscess, as said above, which are able to be treated. She will need a round of antibiotics, and possibly Prednisone or Cefa drops to lessen the inflammation.

You will need to get her to a vet, any way you can. My best advice is to call around to see if any vets in your area have payment plans. I have a Care Credit account at my vet's office, so I can take my animals in when needed, and I don't have to pay anything for a month. Even then, it is very little as a minimum payment (usually $15).

Just call around, let them know the situation, and see what you can work out - but do so quickly. If left untreated, it will get much worse, and your little girl may not make it.

[Fubie]

How expensive could a vet visit be? My vet charges me 40 bucks a pop. You should at least find out what it is..

[ratty_ratkins]

i've called the vet before and they worked me through lancing the abcess at home. but i have a great vet who i have went to for years and she knows i have plenty of experiance. so i wouldnt trust that they would tell you over the phone how to do it at home.
after a surgery i had a rat with an abcess i ended up taking in (since it was on the surgical sight) and she charged me just 30 bucks for the visit and lancing it. and another 13 for the anti biotics