Cystic Mammery Gland or Cancer?

Question
Hi there!
I have an intact 6 year old mini rex, Taffy, who has been having some issues.   Back in July I noticed this weird lump on her on her stomach.  When we took her to the vet, the vet did a FNA (fine needle aspirate) which came back showing cystic fluid/milk protein. She said to monitor it and if it got worse or was really bothering Taffy/showing more problems, we could talk about removing it. So within a few days the lump got smaller and smaller, got kinda knotty, and then was gone.  Since then, it just came back (within two weeks) and is still there, although I can't decide if it's grown in size or not.  It still goes through phases of getting harder and softer.

I have noticed her fur has gotten super rough in the last several months as well, which I'm not sure if that's related.  I've noticed her eyes have been squinty and also some possible tooth grinding (when I touch her cheek, I can feel it vibrating.  I would think it was her being happy/"purring", but it's at times when she really doesn't seem happy).  She seems less active, and guards that side of her tummy if I touch it (tenses up right there).  So, based on that, it seems like she could be in pain.

She seems be aggressive lately which I know can be a sign with uterine cancer, and I feel like I've heard of cystic mammary glands also being a symptom with that.  I realize we should have had her spayed when she was little.  Now, with her being older I'm a bit worried to do it #not to mention the fact that she now has all these problems as well#.


What do you think this could be?  Should she go back into the vet?  Would they be able to do anything further to figure it out or would another FNA show something different? Before, the vet said the cytology/FNA didn't show cancer that they saw but she said it still could exist #or something to that effect).

Thank you SO much for your help!  I really appreciate it!!

Answer
Dear Mia,

If your bunny is suffering from estrogen-related problems, such as mastitis, cystic mammary glands, etc., then it might be wise to have her spayed.  She is not very old, though it is usually better to spay a bun when young.  

A good, experienced vet can do a thorough pre-op exam to determine whether your bun is a reasonably good surgical risk, and proceed accordingly.  No surgery is 100% risk free, but if there is a good chance she is developing problems, it might be worth the risk to provide her with comfort and a much better chance at a long life.  Our vets have spayed *many* rabbits six years old and older, and the vast majority do just fine.

Please discuss this with your vet, and then make a good decision that will work for all of you.

Good luck,

Dana