The two most common tumors in rats are predominantly found in female rats.
Female rats are commonly the victims of Bengin tumors, or fleshy tumors that are somewhat squishy, typically in the armpit. These have to be removed, because they will continue to grow until the rat cannot support herself any longer. The tumor will get so big that your rat will not be able to maintain any level of nutrition, because the tumor absorbs it all. Malignant tumors are cancerous tumors that can attack the mammary glands of any female rat, and spread extremely easily.
Bengin tumors can be easily removed, and sometimes for less than $100, depending on your vet, and your location. Mine, however, cost 300$. These tumors almost always come back after removal. Keep that in mind.
Malignant tumors are typically flat and darkly colored, the actual flesh apart from the fur. Uusually surgery isn't as successful with this type of tumor (because it is cancerous), therefore it spreads quickly sometimes into the internal organs. It is sure to come back, however, there are some antibiotics that can help keep it under control.
I began researching more about tumors after finding one under the armpit of my hooded blue rat, Lucy. The vet extracted some of the growth, and all that came out was blood, therefore she had surgery.
The tumor turned out to be Bengin.
She survived the surgery, despite her age, and ended up having to be put down because her uterus hemorrhaged one day, and she wouldn't stop bleeding.
Within four days, her weight dropped considerably, she developed mites, she started loosing hair, and she was so lethargic.
It is an extremely frightening situation.
Here are some sites I recommend for anyone expecting to get female rats (or even male rats) or anyone who might have a rat with a tumor. Always check your rat, especially older ones regularly for tumors on their bellies and sides.
Helpful sites.
Here is an example of just how large these tumors (Bengin) can get! You should NEVER let your pet get a tumor this size, get it removed or euthanize it, once it gets severe. Do NOT let it die in such a drawn out way!
I'm not even going to comment on how much vicious inner rage I feel when I glance at that photo.
Ways to Avoid or help prevent tumors
1. Get a male rat, male rats rarely get mammary tumors and it is almost always bengin.
2. Spay your female rat! This is helpful at any age, but especially between 3-6months.
(This can drastically reduce the likelihood of bengin mammary tumors and having to pay for their removal)
3. Feed them a low-fat nutritious diet. Fresh fruit and veggies with proven properties to reduce cancer (ex. Soybeans, Broccoli and Tomatoes are some examples!)
4. Tamoxifen, a medical antibiotic that can be used to help prevent tumors. Mixing this with a product called Miso, a soybean based product has a 100% prevention rate.
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