Tia has a tumour... (Sad Update)

[Miss Z]

Hello everyone, remember me? Not been around that much recently, so I hate to be back with bad news.

I was playing with Tia last night before I went to bed, when I picked her up and felt a lump just under her right armpit brush against my fingers. Of course, I inspected it immediately, and I think I fear it is a mammary tumour.

It's about the size and shape of a slightly squashed pea and feels a little like cartilage. It doesn't hurt her when I touch it. I can't decide if it's benign or not, it seems pretty easy to move around under the skin but I'm not sure if a small part of it is attached or not. It's not yet visible unless you look really closely at her from upside down, and as yet it doesn't appear to be impeding her movement.

I am totally torn as to what to do. Naturally, she'll be at the vet ASAP on Monday (today's surgery is emergencies only), even though I probably won't be there as I'm on an overnight trip to the Peak District. If my prediction of a tumour is indeed correct, which I'm 99% sure it is, then I know what options they'll give but I have no idea which will be the best one for her.

Either they find it's benign and offer to remove it. Yeah, it might cost a bit, but I'll just have to make sacrifices such as missing a couple of riding lessons if that's what it takes. However, Tia is an old girl, coming up to 2 1/2 soon. I doubt she's got the best ticker out there. Putting her under anaesthetic would be a risky business that her little body just might not be able to cope with. Also, we could remove this one, and another will come back, either in the same place or in a new area entirely.

The other choice is just to leave it until it becomes so large that it's taking over her life, and she'll have to be put to sleep when that time comes. I don't know how quick tumours grow. I don't suppose they're particularly quick, but all those cells dividing every 20 mins or so, I suppose it won't be too slow either. I have to ask myself if I could really stand watching her get weaker and weaker until finally admitting defeat and throwing in the towel.

I've always known that rats are prone to tumours, but until you're own is affected you just don't realise how prone they actually are.

If anyone has some info or advice on dealing with tumours in rats, that would be great for me to know, otherwise, maybe some PT magic in the form of good vibes could help both me and Tia right now.

Zara

[kittycats_delight]

I know what you are going through Zara. ((((HUGS))))

I had a rat a few years ago and the exact same thing happened. I told her to the vet and was told that 90% of tumors in domesticated rats are malignant. I know that is not something you want to hear. I was also told it is the #1 cause of death in domestic rats. My vet told me about 85% of domestic rats get them at some point in their life and usually they develope around or just after the 2 year mark. Sweetpea (my rat) was a little over 2. He also said that it seems the life expectancy of rats was on a down. And a good precentage of them we not living past 3 or so. The extracted a little fluid from Sweetpea's tumor and it was malignant. It grew very fast and went from the size of a pea to the size of a golf ball in about 6 months. In was under her left front arm. In the armpit. When I brought her in as it was getting virtually impossible for her to get around my vet said their was another forming in her groin area under her back leg. He figured she was full. And eventhough she was still active and eating and affectionate he felt keeping her any longer was cruel. She couldn't get around well and he felt that considering the size of the tumor it would be only a few short days before she would show signs of suffering. He felt she already was but just not showing them outwardly yet. I let her go. She was just over 2 when I discovered the tumor and not quite 3 when she passed over.

I am sorry. I am sure this is not what you wanted to hear but I felt honesty and telling you straight was the best way to go. It would give you some time for it to sink in and for you to enjoy your time with her. I hope and pray it isn't a tumor though. Please let us know what the vet says.

((((((ZARA))))))

Michelle

[moosmom]

Oh Zara, I'm so sorry to hear about Tia. Do what you think is right for Tia. Only you know whether or not she's suffering. If I had to choose for Winkie to operate or not, given the chances of him not making it through the surgery, I'd take the chance. That's only my opinion, sweetheart. What is there to lose? I mean, if it's malignant, her chances of surviving and suffering are about the same as her making it through the anesthesia, why not. Does that make sense to you??? I by no means mean any disrespect. You are a very wise, mature young lady and I have the utmost respect for you.

Do what is in the best interest of Tia. And know that you and Tia will be in my thoughts and prayers.

(((((HUGS))))) and love,

Donna

[Kalei]

Poor Tia, you must be so upset right now But if I know you Zara you are trying to stay strong and do what's best for Tia. And I know you will. Many prayers on the way for Tia that whatever you choose will bring her happiness

[Chilli]

Major ((((hugs)))) going out to you & Tia.
You know how much I adore that beautiful little girl of yours. I wish I could throw in some advice or an opinion, but I've only had experiance with a mouse having a tumor. The tumor didn't grow all that fast, but it was painful to see her losing her strength and watching her give in to her illness.
I know you want only the best for Tia. Afterall, Tia is probably one of the most spoiled rats on PT.
Good vibes & thoughts headed out for Tia.

[Muddy4paws]

My heart sank when I read this topic, Im so sorry Zara.

I hope that its nothing serious, Seriously go to www.fancy-rats.co.uk and check with them for any vets near you, alot of people on that site could relate to your problem and could probably give you better advice that I ever could.

As you said before, Tia is still a young girl at heart so hopefully everything will be ok!

If you want to use my account PM me and I'll give you my details.

[Whisk_Luva]

When I read the title I was hoping and praying it wouldnt be your Tia, Zara! Such a sweet girl!

Whatever you decide I am behind you Zara as I know you will do the best for Tia,

Give Tia loads of hugs from me please!

Ellie

[Miss Z]

Thank you everyone.

And a big thanks to Michelle, too, I'm glad that you were straight with me as, you well know, I'm not a person that likes to beat about the bush. I'm so sorry about Sweetpea. That's my main dilemma really, wondering whether I can cope with evading the inevitable for as long as possible.

Donna, I see what you're saying about risking the op. I suppose we'll just have to see what the vet recommends and take it from there.

Oh, and thanks for the link to the site, Holly, it's been helpful to me. Again, I'll see what the vet says tomorrow before I take any action.

She's booked in for a vet appointment at 4:40pm (GMT) tomorrow. I'll be ringing at about 5ish from my trip to hear how things went and what the situation is. Fingers crossed, I guess.

[Alysser]

Aww, Zara..I'm sorry to hear this news. I will be praying that Tia is OK.

[Blue_Frog]

Hey Zara -- so very very sorry to hear about Tia. When we were still had rats (about 15 years ago), our favourite boy Ratfink got a tumour as well, and the story is pretty well the same as kittycats_delight. I'm hopng for the best for Tia, and keeping my fingers crossed for you guys. *hugs* _A_

[Roxyluvsme13]

I'm really at a loss for words, Zara .

I hope that the outcome for Tia is well, but only you truly know what's best for her.

Sending you lots of good vibes and major (((HUGS)))!

[theterrierman]

Zara, I'm so sorry you and Tia are going through this right now. I saw the thread title and immediately hoped it wasn't your girl. I can't offer much in the way of advice, but I'm sending some good vibes your way. I hope everything works out as well as it can.

Andy

[Scooter's Mom]

I had a mouse (Shelley) who developed a tumor. I noticed it the day we moved into our new house... it started so tiny but it grew fast. The vet I took her to agreed that she wasn't in any pain, but when she started to show signs of being in pain it would be time to have her put to sleep. She was such a sweet girl. She ended up passing on her own, before she ever showed any signs of being in pain.

Good luck with Tia. I hope and pray she remains pain free and happy for a long time.

Crystal

[Sevaede]

Oh Zara. I don't even know what to say. ***HUGS*** and good vibes for both you and little Tia Maria.

[luckies4me]

In all honesty, given her age and the location of the tumor I wouldn't recommend removing it if it is indeed cancer. At her age she is already a senior, and not to sound mean, but on her last leg. Putting her under anesthesia would be very risky, and I would hate to see you spend all that money for nothing. I have seen it all too many times. We have done so many tumor removals at the clinic I work at and each rat was put down within a couple of months after the surgery, either due to the tumor coming back or more growing in it's place. Fortunately some died during the surgery. IMO it's just cruel to put an older rat through so much when they are on their way out anyway. I don't mean to sound rude, but I want to be honest with you. Tumors in rats grow very very fast (most of the time), and even if it is removed chances are it will just come back, and when they do they grow even faster and are a lot more painful.

Veterinarians do not know much about rats, as when they go to vet school pocket pets are not a large part of the cirriculum (sp?), so please do your research and try to find one that has studied lab animals. I know that you will. You are a very smart girl.

In all the years I have owned rats I have only had one with a tumor, and she was a rescued PEW lab rat that came from the UofO testing facility. It's stories like this that make me stress the importance of buying from a breeder and not buying from a petstore. I have bred rats for close to 10 years and all have lived past the age of 3, sometimes even 5, and none have suffered the horrible things that petshop rats have. Granted, I've owned plenty of petshop rats too (even myself cannot resist letting a cute blue dumbo baby get eaten by a snake) and all have suffered tremendously with Myco and other illnesses. It's a very sad thing.

And on a happier note, not sure where the vet came up with rats not living as long as this is not true. Due to good breeding rats are now living 3 years plus, and not dying of these dreaded diseases, but dying of old age. We are definitely on the road to giving these little guys a better life.

The best you can do is make her comfortable and happy during this time, whether you opt for surgery or decide to let her live out her last days until you know it's time to say goodbye. Offer her plenty of kisses and cuddles and spoil her with yogies.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that the tumor is not cancerous, or that it is simply a sebaceous cyst and we have nothing to worry about. I feel awful for you. Rats just have a way of leaving their tiny pawprints on your heart. They are such amazing little creatures. My prayers are with you and Tia. I know you will do what you see as best, and you have my support either way. Please keep us updated.