Pet Forum / Mammals / Rats / September 2007

Hi Everyone...

One of my female rats (about 1-1/2 years old) has a tumor near her
left armpit on her chest.  I've done a bit of online reading and based
on things I've read, it "appears" to be a benign tumor, but I'm not
sure.  The reason I believe it may be benign, is that it's very
"movable" and soft and has not, as of yet, affected my rat in regards
to movement, appetite, disposition, pain, etc.  I read that with these
kind of tumors, they essentially get so big, the rat can't move...
and this is exactly what I see happening to my girl.   I noticed this
tumor about just over a month ago. I took her to the vet a couple
weeks ago and paid the ridiculous fee just to have her seen, and this
particular vet, whom I've never been to before, seemed to know nothing
about rodents or anything.  My impression was that he was BS'ing his
way around things just to appease me.  He told me it would be around
$400 to test and remove the tumor.  Yikes!   Crazy IMHO, especially in
view of the fact that these loving little creatures have such a short
lifespan.  I feel he was trying to ream me.  Does this price range
sound normal?  I called my local humane society to see if they could
refer to me someone who even has a knowledge of working on rodents or
if they could refer me to low cost veterinary care somewhere...
they couldn't help.  I also called a few veterinary hospitals in my
area, and from what they told me that although they could do it, none
of them worked much on rodents much.  Can someone refer me to anywhere
that has a listing of particular areas with vets that have an
expertise, or at least know SOMETHING about rodents?   Or even who I
could ask for referrals.  The pet store didn't know anything either!
<sigh>   I ache to have my little girl taken care of, but financially,
I just can't do it.  I hate being gouged by people.

Any suggestions?  Thanks.

Sad Rattie Momma.