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==Introduction==  

==Introduction==  

[[Mammary Neoplasia|Mammary Neoplasia]] is common in the rat. The most common tumour type is a '''benign fibroadenoma'''. Mammary tissue is extensive in the rat, extending from the neck to the flanks, so mammary neoplasia should be considered when a rat is presented with a mass within this region.

[[Mammary Neoplasia|Mammary Neoplasia]] is common in the rat. The most common tumour type is a '''benign fibroadenoma'''. Mammary tissue is extensive in the rat, extending from the neck to the flanks, so mammary neoplasia should be considered when a rat is presented with a mass within this region.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Treatment is either complete '''surgical excision''' of the mass or '''euthanasia'''.<br><br> '''Surgical removal:''' Remove the entire mass and collect regional lymph nodes to stage the disease. Unless the mass is ulcerated or suspected to be malignant, the skin overlying the tumour should not be removed. Ligate any blood vessels supplying the tumour and close the wound in a routine manner. Use a subcuticular suture pattern or skin staples because rodents frequently chew at sutures an may remove them. An Elizabethan collar may be needed. Although metastasis is rare, radiographs should be performed prior to surgery. Common sites of metastasis are regional lymph nodes, abdominal viscera and the lungs<br> '''Euthanasia:''' Should be considered if the mass is not amenable to surgical resection or if the mass is preventing normal locomotion.

Treatment is either complete '''surgical excision''' of the mass or '''euthanasia'''.<br><br> '''Surgical removal:''' <br>Remove the entire mass and collect regional lymph nodes to stage the disease. Unless the mass is ulcerated or suspected to be malignant, the skin overlying the tumour should not be removed. Ligate any blood vessels supplying the tumour and close the wound in a routine manner. Use a subcuticular suture pattern or skin staples because rodents frequently chew at sutures and may remove them. An Elizabethan collar may be needed. Although metastasis is rare, radiographs should be performed prior to surgery. Common sites of metastasis are regional lymph nodes, abdominal viscera and the lungs.

 

'''Euthanasia:'''<br>

Euthanasia should be considered if the mass is not amenable to surgical resection or if the mass is preventing normal locomotion.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

==References==

==References==

Merck & Co (2009) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Ninth Edition), ''Merial''<br>

Merck & Co (2009) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Ninth Edition), ''Merial''

 

Bond, Hendricks, Loeffler (2009) '''Veterinary Dermatology''' RVC Intergrated BVetMed Course, ''Royal Veterinary College''  

Bond, Hendricks, Loeffler (2009) '''Veterinary Dermatology''' RVC Intergrated BVetMed Course, ''Royal Veterinary College''  

[[Category:To Do - Siobhan Brade]]  

 

 

 

 

[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]

[[Category:Neoplasia]]

[[Category:Neoplasia]]

[[Category:Mammary Gland - Pathology]]

[[Category:Mammary Gland - Pathology]]