Abscess or Tumor?!?!

[K-la]

I recently returned from a trip to find that one of my hairless rats has a lump on one of her nipples and I am worried!
While I was away my mom took care of them but she "says" she didnt notice the lump. Ive been doing some research and Ive seen that it can be either an abscess or a mammary tumor. One article I read told me to put a finger on either side of the lump and try to move it.
The lump moves freely under the skin so I assume its an abscess but I cant be sure. Its been 3 days now and it still hasnt come to a head and it worries me and makes me think its a tumor.

She doesnt seem to be in any pain and its not bothering her from doing anything. She cleans it and when I touch it she doesnt seem to be bothered by it. I would really like some help with this! I dont want her to suffer but Im not sure what to do I cant express the abscess (assuming thats what it is) if it doesnt have a head, and I dont want to be squeezing it if its a tumor

Help!
-K-la

 

[lilspaz68]

How old is your little nakie girl? this can be pretty important as well as to determining abscess over tumour. Nakies are prone to skin issues, but even the best of us have trouble determining if a lump is an abscess or a tumor so there's no easy way to do it.

 

[AshleyRayeRats]

Hi there,

In my experience with abscesses, they don't always have a visible "head". A warm compress can help bring it to a head and open it to help it drain. Continue compresses to open it up drain any pus . . .if it doesn't open, definitely go to the vet. Sometimes, nasty abscesses need to be 'cut' out surgically. Careful with any squeezing, as this can spread the infection. Cleaning/soaking in a betadine solution can be helpful as well. Hope it's something simple and your rattie is OK!!

 

[K-la]

She will be 2 in feb. I keep them pretty well clean I make sure they dont get pimples and that if they have dry skin I put unscented sensitive baby lotion on them. Ive been doing this since I got them so Im not entirely sure how this could pop up...

also the lump is about the size of a soda bottle cap, its rather large.

 

[lilspaz68]

She will be 2 in feb. I keep them pretty well clean I make sure they dont get pimples and that if they have dry skin I put unscented sensitive baby lotion on them. Ive been doing this since I got them so Im not entirely sure how this could pop up...

also the lump is about the size of a soda bottle cap, its rather large.

Is it right underneath a nipple? I take it she is unspayed?

 

[K-la]

Yes its right underneath the lower nipple by her back leg, she is unspayed as well.

 

[lilspaz68]

Yes its right underneath the lower nipple by her back leg, she is unspayed as well.

does it look funny under her skin, solid but waxy?

 

[K-la]

Its pretty solid but not really waxy, when I pick her up and look at it she stretches out and you almost cant tell its there, there is a spot on the top where it looks almost veiny and purpleish but its not dark...

 

[lilspaz68]

Does it look similar to this?

Can you take a pic and post it for us? The age is very indicative of a mammary tumour.

 

[K-la]

It looks just like that only slightly larger, I unfortunately cant take a picture of it :[

 

[lilspaz68]

It looks just like that only slightly larger, I unfortunately cant take a picture of it :[

Sounds like a tumour...sorry

 

[K-la]

What should I do?
its not growing and it hasnt gotten any bigger since I first noticed it. She doesnt seem to be bothered by it, Im just not sure what to do :/

 

[lilspaz68]

What should I do?
its not growing and it hasnt gotten any bigger since I first noticed it. She doesnt seem to be bothered by it, Im just not sure what to do :/

there really is only 2 options at this point.

1) watch and wait, see how big it starts to grow...

2) have it surgically removed right away if you have the money, you have the finances/a competent rat vet, and the rat is in good health.