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What can I do to stop my female rat getting tumors on her body2007-11-24 22:16:41

The studies show that a laboratory rat's susceptibility to tumors varies widely depending on the strain, from 17% to 75% for mammary tumors, and from 39% to 66% for pituitary tumors. But pet rats are not laboratory rats. Rats within a laboratory rat strain are closely related and therefore will be more consistent in their risk for developing diseases with a genetic component than pet rats, which are genetically more variable.

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sorry to say but the only ones that you can prevent are the reproductive ones by getting her spayed but that could also be dangerous for her so it's really your choice

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Although there is probably some genetic element (inbreeding, etc) to tumor development, I recently read something else that may help. Giving your rats a period of complete darkness everyday will help prevent these tumors.

I'm not sure if it will work for every case, but I've worked with lab rats that were under fluorescent lights 24/7 and many females did develop mammary tumors. Since I read that article, I expose my rats to a light cycle and they've all been fine so far.

It's worth a shot.

And I agree with spazrats about vets and rat surgery. It's not the same as with cats and dogs. Small animals are more likely to die under anesthesia.

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the only way really is to spay her while she is young. it is a tricky procedure but some vets that specializes in pocket pets will do it. it is dangerous also. it costs about the same as spaying a cat. you do sound like a responsible rat owner though! good luck on your next kid.