We just got a female rat that we thought was a male. Do vets neuter rats?

Question

Also, about how much would it cost??

Answer 1

yes it costs roughly the same amount it would to neuter a dog.

Answer 2

Yes vets definately desex rats. It is important that you try and find a vet that has some speciality with small animals as they will be much more experienced with rats and better at operating.

There is always a risk anesthatising any animal but with smaller animals it is an even greater risk (I recently had a cavy die coming out of anasthesia) so you want to choose a vet who knows what he is doing.

Desexing your female rat will severly lower her chances of developing cancer in the future- so its a great choice to make.

As for the cost... it varies from vet to vet. Some will charge more to discorage people from desexing their small pet (i think thats really irresponsible myself) I usually pay about $50 to have my males neutered, but females will cost more. It cost $130 to have my guinea pig done so that was a big difference in price.

It should cost about the same price as it is to desex a cat.

good luck

Answer 3

Yes, some will..

I have one question though..  how did you think it was a male? .. I've had a male rat, and there is a rather large part of the body that sticks out..  (it kind of grossed me out to have him walking on me the first time.. lol)

(by the way, that isn't meant to be rude.. I'm curious to know why you thought it was male..  did someone tell you it was?)

Answer 4

yes some vets will...but it will be VERRRRY costly...probably around $400 if not more. Why? Because rats are considered exotics lol

Unless you have another female rat there is no need to neuter him

Answer 5

The testes don't really drop on a rat, they are always there. Even at 3 weeks of age you can see them starting to bulge out.  

Answer 6

Yes depending on your vet.

Call all the local vets that accept exotics and they usually will.

Answer 7

Yes and I highly recommend it. Rats are prone to cancer, and spaying or neutering helps stop reproductive cancers.

Rats are great pets. You can train them and they are very loving.