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Ratsicles
Thu Dec 22, 2005 4:07 am
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 Mammary tumors. |
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So Flame has a mammary tumor. I *swear* this thing popped up overnight, I know for a fact it wasn't there Monday, and if it was there yesterday, I can't see how I missed it. It's just under her armpit and fairly large...I would say dime sized.
My vet does walk-ins, so I just went ahead and brought her in a little while ago. He said right now it doesn't seem to be affecting her at all and that it would be best to leave it alone for now rather than put her through the stress of surgery.
My question is, does this sound right to you guys? I'm afraid I'm a bit dumb about tumors, as this is the first one I've ever had in a mouse, and I've only had *one* with a rat: Muffin had a testicular tumor a few months ago that has been removed twice and is coming back again, so now we're just going to go ahead and neuter him. (I don't know why the vet didn't do this in the first place-- I suggested it at least twice.  )
Anyway, It really doesn't seem to be bothering her...she's playing, nesting, eating, and running on her wheel like normal. Would it be wrong to wait until it affects her movement to have it removed? How do mice usually do with tumor removal surgeries? From the way my vet was talking about it, she wouldn't have much of a chance of survival...but while this vet is great with rats, he's a bit iffy about mice. He *never* wants to do anything invasive at all because of their size.
So I'm not sure. From what I know about mammary tumors, they keep coming back and multiple ones will start to grow, right? If that's the case, should I just euthanize her when this particular one gets too big rather than put her through a surgery that she'll just have to go through again and again?
Advice is appreciated- like I said, I have literaly 0 experience with mammary tumors and I'm not really sure what my options are and exactly how this is going to progress.
_________________
--Brittany
"He who breaks a thing to find out what it is, has left the path of wisdom." |
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serendipityrodentry
Thu Dec 22, 2005 1:36 pm
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Hey Britt,
I, like you, have no actual experience with tumors in mice since. I have never had a tumor on any of my mice, so I can just go on the info that I know from what other breeders have told me.
First off, tumors in mice are very similar to those in rats - in that they will continue to grow, and if removed they usually do come back. One option would be a removal/spay all at once, but you would need to find a vet with this experience with mice - and that can be very hard to find.
It does sound to me like your vet really does not know much about tumor removal or spaying of mice, and that is why he would rather not even offer to do anything. But, since this tumor is growing quickly, as most do, it will be a problem for her fairly soon.
So, you do have two options. One would be to seek out an experienced vet to do a removal/spay on her. Your best bet in that would be to check in Florida, since I know of a few excellent vets there that could possibly perform the procedure. I know travel is not much of a option, so that might be tough.
The second option is to let it go until she is affected by it. Once you feel her quality of life is vastly decreased, or she is having a lot of trouble moving around, eating and drinking, then to euthanize her.
The choice is ultimately up to you. Which ever you decide, I am sure you will have made the right decision. I am sorry this happened - one more thing for you to deal with right now - but it will all be okay soon. 
Good luck, and keep us updated on your decision.
_________________
Shanna
~ Serendipity Rodentry ~ |
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Ratsicles
Fri Dec 23, 2005 3:51 am
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Thanks Shanna.
I did a few searches for mouse vets in Florida, but it doesn't really make a difference since I would have no way of getting her down there.
My vet would probably go on with the surgery if I really pushed him to do it- if I made it clear that I realize the risk involved and that the outcome may be a bad one, I think he may be willing to give it a shot. I'll have to go see him and see what he says about it though.
If he really just won't do it, (which I doubt) I guess I'll just have to leave it alone until it starts affecting her quality of life. I guess I'll just worry about that if I ever get there. Hopefully though I'll be able to work something out with my vet-I'll talk to him tomorrow and see what he says, and come back with an update.
_________________
--Brittany
"He who breaks a thing to find out what it is, has left the path of wisdom." |
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