Presenting: RDPY Sassafras

Update: 07/30/08 I found Sassy dead today. This a G rated web site so I don't want to be too scriptic, but at the same time I want people to be able to learn valuable information from visiting my web site also.

Ultimately in my opinion, Sassy died of old age, being she was over two years old which is the average lifespan, but I wanted to discuss these mammary tumors. Some can be slow growing others fast growing. Sassy's was very slow growing.

These tumors get a blood supply to them but they don't have any nerve endings so the ratties can't feel this area. You could pinch them on the tumor area and they won't feel it, therefore as the tumor grew, as gross as this sounds, it appears one of her cage mates decided to chew or eat some of it, she never knew they were doing it. There was a hole in the center of it.

Anyway, I examined her when I found her and tore the tumor apart to learn more about it. It was full of hard fatty cartilage type polyps. I only found one small blood vessel near the outside of it. The whole mass was cartilage and tissue.

I will miss Sassy as she had a very nice temperament and was pleasant to be around. She never let that tumor stand in her way or stop her from getting around. Upon death the tumor was about four inches in diameter, yet she was still climbing and dragging it everywhere without a second thought. She was an inspiration to me with her ability to overcome a hindrance and still live a quality life. Rest in peace sweet rattie friend.

Update:01/31/08 Sassy has a mammary tumor under her right front leg. It is not slowing her down any or hindering her. She is too old to have it removed and these late onset tumors are very common in female ratties. She will probably die of old age before the tumor hinders her, still I feel bad for her because she is one of the sweetest ratties I've ever known and I want her life to be as comfortable as possible.
Update: Sassy had sixteen babies on February 28, 2007. All are healthy and doing great!