Tumor and a broken heart

[sing4fo0d]

After losing her cagemate (Juno) nearly a year ago my other rat (Norah) has been showered with love and affection by me and everyone who knows her. Trust me, she is one spoiled and happy rat. :cloud9: I have been out of town for a funeral and when I got back I noticed a lump on Norah's lower abdomen. :sad3: I have scheduled an vet appointment for her tomorrow, but wanted to ask a few questions about tumors in ratties.

1) What are her chances?

2) What could I have done to prevent this?

3) What are the real risks/benefits of spaying/neutering a rodent?

Norah and Juno were my first, but certainly not my last. They won the hearts of everyone they met (even those who swore they would never touch a rat). I loved them more than I have ever loved a pet.

I will continue to shower Norah with love and treats.

 

[Aida]

1. To finish living her life until it's time for her to go covered in love and peace and kisses? 100%. As for how soon that'll be, it all depends. Stay hopeful.

2. Not much, from what I've read about tumours. They're pretty common, and it's not like you could have fed her some magic australian peach and prevented it. Sometimes it just happens, from my understanding. ):
Also, it might not be a tumour, you don't know much just yet! Fingers crossed for your visit tomorrow.

3. From what I've heard, spaying greatly reduces tumours and any issues with the uterus in females. Neutering, I've read, has none except hormone/baby control and sometimes calmer personality.

Good luck, Norah!!! <3333

 

[mamarat]

How old is Norah? How's her health? Can you post a pic of the lump?
If she's in good health and it's a mammary tumor they are usually easily removed by the vet. Good luck tomorrow.

 

[sing4fo0d]

The vet said that since it located right on one of the nipples it is most likely a mammory tumor. We took a test just to make sure, ad I should be getting the results tomorrow! While I am thankful that it is the best news I could get, considering the situation, I am unsure of what to do next.

Should I put Norah through surgery, or should I just let it be until the tumor starts affecting the quality of her life?

I guess I should share a couple of things about Norah before anyone answers the question :emb:

Since I got her at a pet store (I know that most people would slap me on the wrists for doing that, but to be fair I saved Norah from being snake food.) I am not sure exactly how old she is. My guess would be that she is probably around 2, since I've had her for nearly 1 1/2 years. The tumor is about half the size of a ping pong ball and hasn't affected her at all. She is still the high energy furball that she used to be. Except for her tumor, she has been in excellent health.

Thank for the replies!

 

[mamarat]

If your vet can do the surgery and you're comfortable with it I would say go ahead since Norah is still in good health.

 

[jorats]

How is her health otherwise, good lungs, bright eyes, spunky, happy, if so, I' would go ahead and have it removed. From the sounds of it, it's still fairly small and would be a piece of cake to have it removed. Leaving it there, you will see the tumour grow and suck the life right out of her.
What could have done to prevent it? Nothing really, except for a spay.

 

[*Rebel_Angel*]

Good luck Norah!

 

[sing4fo0d]

She's got good lungs, bright eyes, and bundles of energy. Just as spunky as she was when I first got her.

 

[jorats]

She's got good lungs, bright eyes, and bundles of energy. Just as spunky as she was when I first got her.

And with a good qualified vet, I'd get it removed for sure.

 

[sing4fo0d]

The vet and I spoke too soon -- I just got the call in regards to her test results, and they found more abnormal cells than mammary ones. It looks like little Norah has cancer.

What next?

 

[sing4fo0d]

I just noticed that she's got some red marks on her tail.

I feel so helpless.

 

[momofmany]

Awww, I'm so sorry!! :hugs:

 

[SQ]

I have had cancerous tumors removed and the vet was able to get it all.
good luck you both of you

 

[jorats]

What does your vet recommend?
The red marks, why type, can you show us a picture?

 

[sing4fo0d]

Update: Norah has been doing very well despite her tumor. I do not want to risk losing her to surgery, so I have decided to simply keep an eye on the situation and shower her with love. As you can see from the pictures below she is still goofy and full of life. She even cuddled with me for almost 20 minutes today!

I am sure she will let me know when it is time for me to let her go, but for now, we are having a blast.

 

[mamarat]

I'm so happy for you and your sweetie.