She is acting alot more active than she was a week ago before she had the tumor. Its the size of half a golf ball and it's below her right arm on her chest. I don't know what to expect from her? What do I do? She doesn't seem to be bothered by it.
So sorry to hear this. I know it is very heartbreaking but unfortunately a rat's life expectancy is 2 years. You can have it removed but at her age she may not even live though the surgery. I have had many rats with tumors & every one continued to get more tumors after the surgery. Quickly it will be harder for her to get around & be comfortable. The best I can suggest is to keep her a week or two longer depending on how fast it grows. Then take her in to the vet to be put asleep. Otherwise the tumor will continue to grow and eventually kill her.
Tumor's are part of having rats, unfortunately. Rats tend to not show any signs of weakness or illness until the end. Keep an eye on her food and water in take, when this declines that is a bad sign.
I'd take your rat to the vet and have the tumor removed if possible, or at least biopsied to see if it is cancerous. If it is benign then keep an eye on it to make sure it is not impeding your rat's health and happiness and keep your girl comfortable.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
For a correction on rat's life time, it depends on the pedigree of your rat. My boy's parents lived 5 years (Mom) and 5.5 years (dad) and his other family members have lived between 3-5 years. These are also bred rats not pet-store rats.
Pet-store rats tend to have much shorter life spans because they are mass bread on plantations and do not have the best of bloodlines.
Despite that, if you take good care of any pet, keep them on good food, balanced diet, keep them happy and healthy you can be sure to have a long happy time with your pet.
I would recommend taking her to a vet for surgery. Even at her age most rats bounce back quickly, but the hardest part may be keeping her from taking the stitches or staples out. FYI you can get female rats spayed (usually for less than tumor removal surgery) as this really helps prevent mammary & pituitary gland tumors (& the younger they are when it gets done, the better) if you get any young girls in the future. I had my 2 girl rats spayed and they recovered very quickly. Plus I have peace of mind in knowing that they're not likely to get any tumors.
Be a responsible owner & take her to a vet or emergency animal hosital IMMEDIATELY!
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com Rodents are prey animals, and they will hide any sign of weakness or illness at any cost.
Be careful with a rat my 1 had a tumor but it did turn out to be cancer in the end get it checked
