Growth on Bunny

Question
Hi,

We have a little rabbit, I think a mini-rex, probably around 4 years old.  When I went to let him out of his cage to run around this evening, I noticed a large red growth on his chin/neck.  It's hard, about  3/4 inch in diameter, and looks red (almost raw, but I don't think it actually is raw).  I don't normally pet around him under his chin, so it could have been there for awhile until it was visually noticeable.  It doesn't appear to bother him, and there haven't been any changes in his eating/drinking.

We've had him for about two years, and he has a little friend that we've had for a year.  Both are fixed, they never fight and I don't think he could have been injured.  

Are growths normal on rabbits?  Any idea what it could be? I know my dogs have had benign cyst growths that the vet has said not to worry about, but I don't know how things are with bunnies or if it's more worrisome being on his head.

Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Answer
Dear Pamela,

A growth like this is not normal, and its location suggests that it could be a tooth root abcess.  This is a potentially serious problem, and needs the attention of a very experienced rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

If it does turn out to be a jaw abscess (I can't see it to be sure), please read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/dental.html

and

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/jawabscess.html

for more information.  

When you go to the vet, bring *both* rabbits, and never separate them.  They need each other for moral support, and you don't want to risk unbonding them.  If the bunny with the lesion needs surgical treatment, bring the other bunny along for that, too.  It's just safer and better for everyone concerned.

I hope all goes well, and that this is an easily treatable condition.

Dana