LEHIGH VALLEY ANIMAL HOSPITAL
CASE PRESENTATION: Miss Clydsdale
VETERINARIANS AND STAFF
Kimberly Mickley, DVM, DABVP - Avian Practice
David Ferrari, VMD
Staff of LVAH
PATIENT
“Miss Clydsdale” an approximately 1.5 year-old female rat destined to be snake food.
PRESENTING COMPLAINT
Miss Clydsdale presented to Lehigh Valley Animal Hospital for 2 masses that were increasing in size located behind her front legs.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
On examination, she had 2 very large mobile masses located behind her front legs that were beginning to ulcerate. Due to the location of the masses, mammary tumors were suspected. The rest of the physical exam was within normal limits.
 DIAGNOSIS / TREATMENT
It was a month between the initial visit and the decision to remove the tumors and by this time, the mammary tumors grew in size and they were beginning to ulcerate. Miss Clydsdale was admitted to the hospital for surgical removal of the tumors. Prior to the surgical procedure, a pre-medication for pain relief and sedation was administered. Miss Clydsdale was then anesthetized using gas anesthesia and oxygen via a mask. While under anesthesia, her heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature were all monitored closely. She recovered from the procedure smoothly. She was placed in a body wrap bandage for 2 days to help prevent her from chewing at incision lines and sutures that were placed. At her 2 day recheck, the bandage was removed, the incisions looked great, and she was free again (unless she began chewing at the incisions)! Miss Clydsdale was sent home on oral pain medication, an anti-inflammatory, and an antibiotic.
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After surgery and bandage removal |
The masses removed were likely mammary tumors found in unspayed female rats. Even with surgical removal, these tumors can recur.
At this time, Miss Clydsdale is doing well! The masses removed weighed in at 0.313 kg! She weighs much less and is much more comfortable now!
GENERAL INFORMATION
This case presentation should sound familiar! Do you remember Peach, the rat with a mammary tumor? You can review her story on the exotics page of the website.
We recommend all small mammals, birds, and reptiles have an annual examination just like our cat and dog friends! As you can see from this case presentation, even though Miss Clydsdale was slated for snake food, she obviously wiggled her way into her owner’s heart! Rats can make great pets and this is just one example, again, of how owner’s care for their pets. It is important to know there are options for our furry and feathered friends to pursue if they are having health issues. Some of these options include blood work, radiographs, supportive care, surgical procedures, ultrasound, and even MRI! Do not hesitate to contact a veterinarian who has experience with exotic animal medicine and surgery to set up an appointment for your pet. It is important to establish a relationship with a qualified, compassionate veterinarian before issues arise.
If you have additional questions or concerns about your furry or feathered friend, please contact Dr. Mickley at Lehigh Valley Animal Hospital, the Allentown office.
Thanks to Miss Clydsdale and her dedicated owners!
This additional furry friend case presentation is in remembrance of “Peach.”
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