Bobby's Tumour

[Samuel]

My rat Bobby has a fairly large tumour just in front of his leg, similar to the size of Sunshine's at this link.

The vet said that it doesn't feel very attached and should be fairly easy to remove through surgery, but I have my concerns. I'm not sure exactly how old Bobby is, but I know he could be anywhere between 26 and 30 months. He seems happy enough but he walks a bit funny and has trouble climbing. The vet also said that the anesthetic can be quite risky, and the chance is 50/50 (although she's never lost a rat because of it).

I really don't know what to do right now, and I'd really appreciate some help and advice from experienced rat lovers on this forum.

 

[victoria]

How is Bobby's health otherwise? (Is Bobby male or female?)

If it's as big as Sunshine's, it's probably starting to affect Bobby's mobility. If that's the case, you will probably have to think about euthanasia in a few weeks or months anyway.

I have done major surgery on rats the age of Bobby before and have had good results with the ones in good health but there's always an increased risk. There is no right or wrong answer, but if your vet is experienced and thinks Bobby is a good surgery candidate, then there's a pretty good chance he/she will do well.

 

[Samuel]

Sorry the picture is on its side, but that's his tumour. The only way it's affected his mobility is by making it a bit awkward to navigate with, but apart from the tumour being in the way his mobility is fine.

 

[victoria]

If he's healthy and the vet thinks he's a good candidate, I would get it removed. It's big enough now that it could affect his mobility or rupture. Even if it grows back, it would buy you months.

 

[jorats]

I had a HUGE tumour removed on a 37 month old rat. It was a success... if your rat is in good health, there's no reason not to do surgery.

 

[Samuel]

Wow!

My main concern with the surgery is the anesthetic, which I've been told is a bit risky.

 

[Samuel]

We're getting his tumour removed on Tuesday morning (Monday evening for most here).

 

[Unepuce]

Good luck to you and Bobby!!! He'll be happy to be rid of that!

 

[Samuel]

Well, Bobby was operated on today, and everything went smoothly. We got his big lump removed, as well as well as a small one under his arm. Unfortunately we have to keep him separate from Toby for a few days, but I can let them play together under supervision (because of his stitches).

Everything is good, though. Bobby has been eating and grooming himself, and especially enjoying being able to clean his left ear properly. I'll get some pictures up soon!

 

[Unepuce]

Good news!!!! Can't wait to get pictures!!!

 

[jorats]

That is really great news!

 

[mamarat]

That's great news!

 

[xKrAzEdShOoTeRx]

BUENO!

 

[Samuel]

This is more inconvenient than anything, but Bobby and Toby have to be apart for a whole two weeks! What I don't like about this is that Bobby's cage is too small for long term accommodation, but we'll have to cope. They can go back together on Tuesday 5 July.