My pet rat has a sudden lump on her side. Is this an emergency?
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Answer
Lumps in pet rats can appear quite suddenly and range from benign cysts or abscesses to more concerning tumors, which are unfortunately common in older rats. While not all lumps are immediately life-threatening, it's difficult to determine the nature of a lump without a veterinary examination. An abscess might require drainage, while a malignant tumor would need surgical removal. Given how quickly lumps can grow or change in rats, it's best to have it checked by a vet as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Speak to Dial A Vet via a video consult should you need further guidance if the lump is small and the rat is otherwise fine.
