What in the heck is wrong with my rat? Lump on head/tilt

[Aratharel]

Echo is just turning 2 years old. However, in the last week or two he's developed a nasty bump on his head.

At first I thought it was a goose egg from him smacking his head on the shelf while playing wih his cagemate. However, after two weeks it hasn't gone away. And now, within the past few days he's developed a severe head tilt and has lost most of his balance and strength in his limbs. He can still drink fine, he just can't really get anywhere and is turning down harder types of food like lab blocks.

At first I thought it was a pituitary tumor, but the lump between his ears says differently, I think. I recently lost my job, and don't have enough money to be able to take him in to the vet for examination.. what is going on with my little baby??

 

[hopefloats]

Post a picture of it.

Where exactly is the lump at? Smell his ears see if they stink could be an inner ear infection.

 

[lilspaz68]

The lump is on his head? Between his ears or on his forehead? is it hard feelign like bone or soft and squishy? As Peggy says get in there and sniff him all over, ears, lump, face etc

 

[Joanne]

Waiting for pics.....

 

[Aratharel]

The bump is bewteen his ears, and it is hard.

Pics have been posted.

He seems a little better today, hes having an easier time getting around and the swelling that was on his face has gone down a lot.

Theres no odd smell, other than the tortilla chips he usually smells like. :lol:

 

[RKEM]

Could it be swelling from some injury to his skull or neck? I would try to get that x-rayed as soon as possible to see what is going on since it is having a fair bit of impact on his mobility and possibly pain which may account for refusing hard food. Chewing may be causing him pain.

 

[Aratharel]

I don't think its an injury. I can touch it and the area around it and he could care less. Its also not hot, nor has a compress made it go down. But I certainly am taking him to the vet as soon as I can get him there, I just wanted to see if maybe anyone knew what it was..?

 

[jorats]

That does not look good.
Bone cancer is my first thought.

 

[Joanne]

Wow, that is unusual. If it was an abscess or soft tissue tumour, then it should be somewhat soft and/or mobile. If it is hard, then I agree it may be bone. I am very interested to find out what it is. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like anything minor or easy to fix...

 

[Aratharel]

Thank you all for the help.

 

[Fidget]

Oh, I'm so sorry hon. When it's not a quick define & fix thing, and money's a big issue, and love an even bigger one it'can be a world of pain. I'll say a prayer for you & Echo. Whatever's going on he has all the love & support he needs in you. Know that you have so much coming to you from us who understand. :hugs:

 

[Aratharel]

Oh, I'm so sorry hon. When it's not a quick define & fix thing, and money's a big issue, and love an even bigger one it'can be a world of pain. I'll say a prayer for you & Echo. Whatever's going on he has all the love & support he needs in you. Know that you have so much coming to you from us who understand. :hugs:

Thank you :hugs:

Echo has been that one special rat, he's touched me more than any other ratty i've owned. Its so so hard to lose him, and even harder to think about it and pretty much watch it happen until I can get him the help he so desperately deserves..

 

[lilspaz68]

I am sorry, from the location and how you describe it does sound like a bone cancer. He also looks like he's in pain, the pressure may be inside his head. If you are unable to get him to the vet as soon as you can, ou might want to consider OTC pain meds (infant liquid advil or ibuprofen) just to see if he feels better on it.

What a beautiful boy.