Neck tumor

[fwsox]

My rat has developed a tumor on both sides of his neck. This developed rapidly. There are 2 other obviously benign encapsalated tumors on the side of his abdomen that also seem to have come up rapidly. But the severe swelling around his neck is what bothers me. Yes I took him to the rat vet who says its probably lymphoma. She has been wrong before. He is on clavamox now and she also prescribed prednisone. Seems to be okay, eating, eliminating, sleeps more. Has anyone had experience with this.

 

[Dazzle87]

Can you post a picture? Are you sure its not swelling? One of the rat viruses involves swollen neck glands.

 

[victoria]

I'm going through this right now... I'll take some pics of Amy and add them, but my vet said there's nothing that can be done - too dangerous to operate. I have her on Metacam (will go to Pred when the time comes) and I'm giving her soft foods because the vet said it can make it hard for her to eat (or breath). I'm sorry you are experiencing this.

 

[victoria]

This is Amy and her neck tumour. It's growing insanely quickly, I only noticed it 3.5 weeks before this pic was taken and it was not obviously visible then, the tissue felt different.

 

[fwsox]

This is a picture of Snobol taken today. I had a tragedy this morning. I came downstairs to find my youngest rat lethargic, shallow breathing and non responsive to touch. I held him knowing there was nothing I could do and he died within a half hour. I have no idea what happened. He had no injuries. He wasn't sneezing or showing signs of respiratory illness. I take my rats to the vet at the first sign of respiratory distress. I lost my first rat Pascal around Christmas from a mediastinal tumor. Now Snobol has possible lymphoma and my little Python died today without warning. I am devastated. Does someone have any idea what could have taken him so quickly? Thanks for all your help.

 

[jorats]

I'm so sorry for your loss, you've had to deal with quite a bit. It's hard to say what takes our rats so fast. Can be anything from stroke to heart attack.

 

[fwsox]

Thanks so much for your kindness. It has been a rough day. I actually thought he had a stroke but he was quite young. I actually thought for a while today about not keeping rats as pets because it is so hard to lose them. I have had four rats so far and 3 have died prematurely. But they are so sweet and wonderful. People have no idea what wonderful companions they can be. I really feel lucky finding this forum where I have people who understand how attached one can be to a furry little friend.

 

[mamarat]

I'm so sorry :hugs:

 

[lilspaz68]

It looks like a tumor of the salivary glands..is the swelling right under his ear or farther back? You can see how far back Twiggy's goes in his thread.

I am so so sorry about your baby and it could've been a heart attack or a stroke even at that age

 

[Joanne]

Fwsox, I am so sorry you are having such a rough time. We all love our fuzzy little ratties, that's for sure, and when they get sick and die, sometimes it's so fast you don't have a chance to 'prepare' for the loss. It was sad that your little one died so suddenly, but at least you got to be with him for the last little while so you could send him off to the bridge with love and snuggles. It's different, but just as hard, to watch them fade away.
Just know that they had a great life with you and that's all they ever asked for...