Rat Tumors
Rats can be a great pet for people with limited space. Rats are extremely intelligent and have unique personalities. However, rats have a short life expectancy. This is because they are more likely to develop cancerous growths.
What are Tumors in Rats?
A tumor is a growth or mass of a rat. Cancer can be anything from benign cysts or lipomas to more serious malignant and cancerous ones. While some tumors don’t need to be concerned, most rats develop large-sized tumors due to their small stature. A rat can get cancer on its skin or internally.
There are several types of cancers that rats may develop:
- Mammary cancers
- Lipomas
- Cysts
- Cancerous tumors
- Brain tumors
Signs of Tumors in Rats
- Climbing or walking on difficult terrain
- Pain
- Weight loss
- Visible lump
- Appetite increases
- Bulging eyes
- Misshapen head
- Ataxia
Different types of tumors might be more apparent than others. Different types of tumors may be more obvious than others.
Your rat may have difficulty moving due to a tumor growing. 2 Some tumors can cause a rat to have a greater appetite. A rat that eats lots of food, but loses weight, may have a nutritional offset. This is where nutrients are directed towards the growth of the cancerous tumor.
Brain tumors can cause neurological symptoms, bulging eyes, and a misaligned head. Brain tumors in rats can cause ataxia, a condition where the animal has difficulty moving or appears unsafe.
Causes of tumors in rats
The causes of cancer can vary depending on the type:
- Breast tumors are hormone-dependent and fast-growing tumors that respond to estrogen and prolactin.
- Lipomas, Also known as fatty tumors, lipomas can form in any part of the body of a rat.
- Cysts Male rats are more likely to develop cysts. Unless they are a cystadenoma, cysts are not considered tumors and can be found on the back of male rats near their sebaceous glands. A simple skin infection or ingrown hair can cause cysts. Cysts are typically firm and don’t grow as large as mammary or lipoma tumors.
- Common causes of cancerous tumors, Unfortunately, no one knows the exact cause. However, they are very common in rats. There are many causes of cancerous tumors. They can occur in different body parts, including poor breeding and exposure to carcinogens.
- Brain Tumors – Malignant and benign brain tumors can occur either from cancerous cells or abnormalities in the pituitary.
Rat Tumor Treatment
Large lipomas and mammary tumors are frequently removed surgically, especially if the growths are cancerous or causing problems with ambulation in the rat. Regrowth of some changes is possible, but it can be difficult to remove completely.
Your vet will usually pop a cyst or lance it. This causes the thick secretion (or infection) to leak out. It would be best if you were on the lookout for cysts as they can grow back, leading to a later surgical procedure.
Unfortunately, brain and some types of cancerous tumors in rats are not operable. However, some types of cancer can be treated with Tamoxifen (for estrogen-sensitive cancers) and supplements such as turmeric and shark cartilage that are said to slow down the growth of tumors. If a rat has severe health problems, it should be put to death.
How to Prevent Tumors In Rats?
A nutritious and low-fat diet can help to prevent cancerous tumors in rats. Several studies have also shown a decrease in the formation of mammary tumors in rats who were fed miso, a soybean protein. Spaying or neutering your pet cat may reduce its chances of developing breast cancer. 8
Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect that your pet may be sick. Your veterinarian is the best person to consult for health questions. They have seen your pet and know your pet’s history.
