Rabbit has a tumor?

Question
Hi,

My rabbit is about 7 and a half years old, and hasn't ever had any health problems. I noticed her limping and thought that her hind right leg was broken. But it looks like near the hind leg there's a tumor-like thing. It isn't soft or squishy. Is it a tumor or an abscess? What should I do?

Thank you,
Angela

Answer
Dear Angela,

Your bunny needs to be seen by an experienced rabbit vet to have this problem diagnosed so that it can be treated properly.  If it is an abscess, it may be treatable with systemic antibiotics such as dual-acting BP Penicillin G and/or amikacin--depending on the bacteria causing the problem.  If it is a tumor, then depending on how aggressive or metastatic (spreading to other body parts) it is, surgery to amputate may be necessary to save your bunny's life.  Tripod bunnies can do very well.

But the first step is a full exam for proper diagnosis:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope this helps.

Dana