Pituitary Tumour

A tumour on the pituitary gland in the brain. The rat may show a combination of symptoms.

• Weakness and lack of Co-ordination in the front paws, crossing of paws when attempting to hold food, and eventually feeding by mouth only without holding onto food items which often results in 'chasing' the food around.
  

• Weight loss due to difficulty feeding.
  

• Pica - eating non food items such as litter and bedding.
  

• Circling, head tilt or seizures.
  

• Head bumping when stroked - the rat will press the head up when it is touched.
  

• Protruding eye where the tumour is displacing areas behind the eye.
  

• Lactation in a non-pregnant rat.
  

• Excessive drinking and urinating.
  

• Confusion and 'zoned out' appearance, possibly related to dehydration.

Prednisone or Tamoxifen may help to slow or stop the tumour growth.
Euthanasia should be considered if the rat is showing signs of pain or lack of quality of life.

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