Before I even open my mouth, I just want to warn everyone that this *might* be a little controversial. I have had many differing opinions and I wanted to post here. PLEASE, if you disagree with something that is said, then by all means express it. But do NOT do so negatively. This seems to be a touchy subject to begin with. I don't want to add flaming and negativity to the fray as well.

That being said, some of you may know that I have two female pet rats. They are about 3 years old now and both have developed lipomas. The white one has a VERY large lipoma on her side and a small one starting on her other side. I think there may be a third just barely starting on her chest. The black one just seems to have only one large one on her side.

I was not worried about the lipomas in the beginning as I know a little about them and I know that they are pretty much harmless. The girls still act normal (for older rats) and still have a very healthy appetite. They still climb and wrestle a bit with each other. However, because they are getting more numerous (and in Dexi's case they seem to be concentrating themselves around her chest) I am now worrying.

I spoke with a local rat breeder who is a friend of a friend and has been breeding for many years. He said that it is very common for female rats to get lipomas, and he happened to have a female that was going on 4 years old and had a baseball-sized lipoma on her side. He said that it doesn't seem to bother her and he has just let her be. He suggested I do the same.

I called my "exotics" vet later that day and explained the situation. She said she recommended having them removed at $200 per rat, per lipoma. She said that sometimes the lipomas DO cause the rats pain, but they do not show it. I told the vet I'd have to think about it and hung up. I cannot afford $800 in surgery for two rats that, combined, cost me $3 to purchase. As much as I love them, I am just not made of money.

So, the girls have done fine and other than sleeping a lot more than ever before, they don't seem to be bothered by the lipomas. I am afraid that Dexi's lipomas will begin to press on her lungs soon if they aren't already, and make it difficult to breathe. My boyfriend thinks I should have them put to sleep. I don't think it's time yet. The vet thinks they should be surgically removed, and the breeder says don't worry about it.

What is the group opinion here?

I'm including a recent photo so you can see what I'm talking about. Kahlua is the black one and you can see her lipoma hanging down from her side. Dexi's large lipoma is only visible under her stomach. It literally hangs down to the floor. It looks like there are two white rats sitting side by side instead of one. The one you see on the side facing the camera is the new one, and as I mentioned before there seems to be a third starting on her chest between her two front legs. It is not visible in the picture.



I have had people that are unfamiliar with rats and lipomas call me an animal abuser and a terrible person for not having them put down. Please understand that if my girls acted as if they were in pain I would have them to a vet. Please do not make negative remarks directed at me as a person.