RESUMO
The purpose of this case report is to present a poorly differentiated sarcoma in a pet rat. A veterinarian detected a small-sized nodular lesion in the ventral region of the neck during a follow-up visit related to another ailment. The anatomical structures found in the neck region in the rat and the differential diagnosis when deformities are palpated in this body part are discussed in detail. The patient underwent a total of four surgical procedures, as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The rat survived in good condition for 144 days after finding the tumor.
RESUMO
Insulinomas are insulin-producing tumors of pancreatic beta cells that cause hypoglycemia. They are extremely common in ferrets but have also been reported in guinea pigs and rats. This is a case report of an older rat with spontaneous insulinoma, which was confirmed by histopathology. The patient was presented at a regular check-up due to a chronic respiratory disease. The owner noticed progressive weakness of the hind limbs, which is quite commonly seen in older rats. A blood exam revealed hypoglycemia, which could have been associated with paraparesis. The patient responded to treatment with oral dexamethasone and was regularly monitored. It survived nearly 4 months in good general condition. The rat finally died most probably due to severe hypoglycemia caused by progression of the pancreatic tumor. This is the first report of a pet rat with insulinoma that was successfully treated with glucocorticoids.
