blocked milk duct

Question
I have a nursing mom who had a litter 3-4 weeks ago. The mom developed a huge lump on her chest under her nipple(s). It's about 1/3 the size of her chest. It is getting larger and is hard to the touch. The vet put her on antibiotics and suggested a hot water bottle on the spot, suspecting a blocked milk duct. It's not getting any better and vet suggested a 500.00 surgery to remove the blockage. Is this dangerous to the rabbit, and is there anything else I can do? Still nursing babies (7)but not helping. please help. thanks

Answer
Hi Brian

I would have to say that if the doe has a milk duct that is that enlarged that surgery may be her best option.  It is dangerous not only to her but to the kits.  They need their mothers milk until they are 7-8 weeks old.  In a worst case scenario they could be weaned at 6 weeks but will have to be watched closely and giving pro-biotics to help their sensitive bellies.  

Was this vet an exotic specialist?  If they are recommended by the HRS then they are approved as specialists and must have all the credentials as well as the equipment to deal with rabbits.  Rabbits have very small airways and exotic vets who specialize in rabbits will carry the special equipment needed to place an airway if the bunny stops breathing.  Surgery is still dangerous but infection is worse.  Rabbits have a defense mechanism that can be troublesome.  If they get a wound it will often encapsulate itself and antibiotics will be ineffective.  

If you are not sure about the qualifications of your vet than I would suggest a second opinion from a specialist from this list:

http://www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

If your vet is on this list then I am certain they believe that it is in the best interest of the bunny.  As sad as it may be to say it might be worth saving her even if there is a chance that her kits will be vulnerable.  

Before I would allow surgery I would ask if the wound could be drained and if a culture and sensitivity test could be done.  Provided the bunny is not in immediate danger of death the time it could take to get the correct antibiotic may be worth it.  It your vet has not done this you may want to ask them.  Mastitis is usually caused by a staph infection and the common antibiotic for nursing rabbits is Baytril. Baytril is not always effective against staph.

I am not sure if this will help but it does describe mastitis and the common treatments.  If you can go to page 203 it explains mastitis.  I hope that it helps you make your decision.

http://books.google.com/books?id=qQVVUGnA3AIC&pg=PA203&lpg=PA203&dq=mastitis+in+...

Good luck to you and your bunny,

Pam