General conditions found in rats/rodents, and treatments

[Diggie's Friend]

http://www.rattietattierescue.com/rat-fact.html

[Diggie's Friend]

Abnormally enlarge testicle

http://ratguide.com/health/neoplasia...lar_tumors.php

Prednizone slows growth of tumors. (* see note under Nursing Care)

Treatment:

Recommended treatment in an otherwise healthy male rat is orchiectomy (neuter).
In the event surgery for tumor removal is an option the following recommended post-op analgesia may be given:

•For severe pain or first 24 hours post-op: Buprenex (buprenorphine), or Torbugesic (butorphanol).

•For mild to moderate pain: Banamine (flunixin meglumine), Metacam (meloxicam), or carprofen.
Do not use if a corticosteroid has already been prescribed.

•*Note: for pain not controlled by the use of an NSAID (e.g.Banamine, meloxicam, or carprofen), alone, consider alternating or co-administering with a narcotic (e.g. buprenorphine or butorphanol) or narcotic-like (e.g. tramadol) medication.

Also see crucial post-op care under: * Nursing Care

[Diggie's Friend]

Mammary Tumors (in Female rodents)

Treating Cancerous Mammary Tumors The vast majority of mammary tumors in rats are benign. Cancerous mammary tumors most commonly occur in the area near the groin and vulva and the tumors usually appear dark while benign tumors are light-colored. Surgery is not effective for cancerous mammary tumors. Fortunately tamoxifen is an effective treatment. Tamoxifen works in rats by blocking the estrogen receptor sites in the tissue. It can shrink the tumors or slow their growth for many months. The recommended dose is 6.6 mg/kg once a day for the rest of the rat's life. Many rats start refusing the medication after a while, however, benefits can continue.