rabbit w/ear growth in opening to canal

Question
I have an approx. 5 yr old female mini rex. I took her to the vet (the animal hospital has two experienced rabbit vets) after I had noticed a dark lump deep in her ear. On examination at the clinic, the lump turned out to be a growth that had turned dark from dried blood where she had scratched it.

I was informed me it was probably caused by a virus, something like a wart. She sent me home with ear drops to help with the irritation so she wouldn't scratch at it and injure her ear again. Unfortunately I can't get a photo of it because of its location and because she's wary of me around her ear since I started giving her the drops.

I have a follow-up appointment next week and I am just wondering if you could give me an idea of what they'll probably want to do to remove it (procedure outline, recovery time, etc.). Also, I am going away soon for work and won't be back until mid-August. If I can't schedule in the growth removal before I leave, could it wait until I get back or will I need to get someone to take her in for me while I'm away?

Answer
Dear Caitlin,

If the growth isn't increasing in size, and she's stopped scratching at it, it's not an emergency and you could wait until your return.  Papillomas are not uncommon in bunny ears, and they are, indeed, caused by viruses.  They are generally benign, if annoying.

I hope all goes well, if you decide to have it removed.

Dana