Health Guide: Tumor Figure 7

Tumor Figure 7

Figure 7: Chemodectoma in 23 month old female rat
Case history and photos

History

Lily is a 23 month old rat who has had no prior health issues.

Clinical Signs

Clinical signs presented as a typical respiratory infection including a deep chested rattle. Initially antibiotic therapy was given with little improvement, however when a long acting anti-inflammatory injection was given the clinical signs appeared to be alleviated very quickly. These same signs would occur once more approximately 3-4 weeks later when the anti-inflammatory effects began to lessen. The treatment of anti-inflammatories and antibiotics were given when needed. The antibiotics used in varying combination were Baytril, Doxycycline and Zithromax.

Over the next few months the chest rattle was occurring more frequently and eventually stopped disappearing completely even with the injections of an anti-inflammatory agent. During this period she was perfectly healthy in every other aspect of her life.

The decision was made by the vet to take x-rays of Lily’s chest to rule out the possibility of masses within her lungs which might be causing the clinical signs seen. X-rays were taken and a mass was detected around her heart.

Diagnosis

Chemodectoma - is a benign, chromaffin-negative tumor of the chemoreceptor system (also called a carotid body tumor, or an aortic-body tumor). The mass is attached to her heart which is growing in the space between her lungs. The effect of the tumour on the heart causes fluid build up on her lungs which can then lead to a secondary infection. Her heart rate had also increased.

(*Note: this case is as yet unverified histologically.)

Follow-up Treatment

Lily was put onto a regime of daily oral steroidal anti-inflammatories (Medrone V), diuretics (Frusemide/Furosemide) and long-term course of Baytril (enrofloxacin).

Outcome

Eight months later the treatment is continuing to work. She has a constant rattle in her chest while active (and often when sleeping) but clinical signs are alleviated sporadically with the steroids.

Long term issues have been a loss of almost all of her body fur on her torso due to the steroids and tumour. Vitamin supplements are being given to assist with this, but to date have not had much effect.

Her behaviour is that of a perfectly healthy rat. Her condition has had no effect to her quality of life.