urgent sick rabbit with lump

Question
Hello.

I have a 5 month year old dwarf rabbit. She has discharge coming  from her left eyes and left nostril, staring two weeks ago. A few days ago a lump suddenly appeared. The lump is hard, located under her left eye, to her neck, and halfway across her face. I know that rabbits hide their pain, but sometimes when I touch it she flinches, so shes probably in pain. Fur is shedding alot, especially around and on the lump.
I have just noticed that there is a red circle blog on the center of her lump. It looks like she may have been bleeding (since there is no wet blood on her fur), or it may be bleeding form underneath her skin.
Lastly she is eating normally, but she is not as active and energetic as she use to be.
What is this, and what can I do until I take her to the vet?
Thank you for any help you may offer.

Answer
Dear Sara,

The signs you describe are consistent with a molar root abscess, and this will require the attention of an experienced rabbit vet.  You can find one here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

In the meantime, apply warm, moist compresses to the lump.  Since there appears to be a head, this might open, allowing pus to drain and give your bunny some relief from pain.  Please also read:

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

and

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

In many such cases, injectable bicillin is a good choice for an antibiotic, but your vet will be the one to prescribe what s/he thinks is most appropriate in this case.  S/he may wish to take a sample of abscess capsule for culture and sensitivity testing:

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

to be sure of the pathogens' identity and antibiotic sensitivities.

Pain medication will also help, so be sure to ask the vet about that.

I hope she'll be better soon, but she will need veterinary attention ASAP.

Dana