Rats are prone to a variety of lumps and bumps beneath their skin.  Many times these lumps and bumps are due abscesses, infections that accumulate pus beneath the skin.  Sometimes the masses are enlarged lymph nodes.  In older rats, typically 18 months or older, tumors are more common as the cause of lumps and bumps.  The tumors may be benign ones such as adenomas or lipomas, or they may be more serious ones classified as adenocarcinomas.  Most tumors are readily removed at a small size and many of them do not return if the surgery was able to completely remove the growth.  If you see a bump on your rat, don't wait until it gets big to get it checked.  The sooner we see your pet, the better the chances are that we can help!

Copyright 2008
Kevin Wright and Jay Johnson
Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital, LLC
744 N Center Street
Mesa, AZ 85203
info@azeah.com