Rats...Do they make good pets?

blessingphotography

I use www.in-boxes.co.uk for lots if treats, cage hammocks and food, not sure if they do bedding

Jvic28

About a year ago I adopted 2 rats from pets at home, I'm not sure how old they were when we had them but we were under the impression they were young, however they haven't grown much.

Whilst feeding my rats last night I noticed one of them has developed a rather large bump just in front of her left hind leg. I have done the usual googling and can see that the most likely cause is a tumour. I plan on taking her to a vet tomorrow to get it looked at as I understand they can sometimes be removed. Does anyone have any idea of where is best to take it in my area? I live in Cardiff Bay and will be travelling by foot/bus.

Thanks

RacyRed

I can't help but just wanted to send a (((hug))) to you, I can imagine how worried you must be.

Jvic28

Thanks. I'm gutted. I spotted it last night just before we went out for dinner. It was difficult to stop my crying from messing up my make up.

I can't believe how quick it's come up. I definately would have noticed it, especially as I have them out every week to clean.

She's not in any pain though and is eating Ok. No sign of infections, ulcerations etc so I hope she'll be Ok for me to get her to the vet tomorrow.

Krystaltips

It is probably a mammary tumour, they're very common in rats... I'm sure it's causing her no pain and is more than likely benign so try not to worry about her too much before you get to the vets. (And yes they can be very quick growing, I know on one of mine there was nothing there one day and a tumour the next!)

Jvic28

I'm sure that's the case with mine. I feed them myself everyday and I'm sure I would have noticed it on her the day before.

Did you take your to the vets Krystal? Just wondering how much I'm looking at to get it removed.

simontheiceman

Jvic28 wrote: »

I'm sure that's the case with mine. I feed them myself everyday and I'm sure I would have noticed it on her the day before.

Did you take your to the vets Krystal? Just wondering how much I'm looking at to get it removed.

If it were my rat (or indeed my patient) I would be looking to give you an all-in price rather than a broad estimate. I would charge about £50 for such a job and I would include the consultation in that cost. Personally, and I realise I am a touch old-shcool on this one, I dont think it is acceptable to charge what it really costs for hamsters, mice, rats etc. There are those who would disagree but I would rather have £50 than £0 (thats what you get if you overprice the work for these guys). However I dont apply that philosophy to really "exotic" species, as, if you choose to take on a water dragon or a macaw, then you choose to foot the bill for sorting it out (I send them all to specialists.).

UKTigerlily

Hiya, i'm a Rat person & Mammary Tumours are really common in Females, even if Spayed they can still get them! My Vet charges £57 per Rat to Spay it & with 6 I thought about it but didn't want the Anaesthetic risk!

Anyway, I guess the Consultation may be about £15 depending on area & then the op about £50, I can find out from the Rat people on Fancy Rats of good exotics Vets, but really so long as they do NOT inject the anaesthetic but use the gas mask, it should be fine with any Vets! I don't know if using the injection is common, but they shouldn't from what I know, but i'm not an expert, something to check though.

Don't worry too much about the anaesthetic, they're tough things, mine had a GA @ 3 months while she had a Resp Infection too & was no problem. PM me if you need any help finding a Vet, but really I prefer to trust my instincts, if I like them & they are good with the animal i'm happy.

Jvic28

Thanks Guys. I'll definately be paying for the Op. I just hope I can find someone good to do it at a reasonable price. I'll pay, not a problem, but I'm not exactly flush.

UKTigerlily

Jvic28 wrote: »

Thanks Guys. I'll definately be paying for the Op. I just hope I can find someone good to do it at a reasonable price. I'll pay, not a problem, but I'm not exactly flush.

Hope it all goes well! It might not be able to come out, so expect that also, but it should be fine!