Figure 2: Excised lipoma from an adult male rat
Case history and photos

History

Stat!, a 2 year 4 month old rat, was obese even for his large size.

Clinical Signs

He presented with a soft lump in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen. It was initially around 1/2” in size, soft and squishy.

Diagnosis

R/O Lipoma

Treatment

The vet performed a biopsy which showed mostly fatty material.

Outcome

Since this didn’t seem to pose him a problem it was decided to waitand observe if there was any change in appearance or size.

Follow-up

Two months after initially seen and biopsied, the lump continued to grow slowly becoming approximately 1 and 3/4” across. It appeared a little firmer, and seemed to be encapsulated. At this time the growth was surgically removed with a minimal amount of bleeding. The scar following his lipoma removal on his belly. It was a little inflamed around one remaining suture which didn’t seem to want to dissolve out and Stattles had been bothering it. We had the vet remove it soonafter.

Photos and case history courtesy of Robyn Arthur at The Dapper Rat

Posted on June 30, 2003, 12:33, Last updated on August 4, 2008, 14:33 | Figures