Bunny Cancer

Question
QUESTION: Hi Dana, my rabbit, Daisy, has just been diagnosed with skin cancer. It started out as a small patch on her head many months ago and now she has patches and hair loss affecting most parts of her body. It was a mystery at first and so was quite a shock when we were given the news. The vet has told us it is aggressive and it wouldn't be the best idea to try her out with chemo and drugs etc. We're just letting her have a good life for now as there seems to be absolutely nothing wrong with her, she runs, plays and eats as any other rabbit does. I'm just looking for some information and advice as to what we should do. We have decided once she gets very ill we will put her to sleep as this seems the best thing for her. If it is aggressive why is she showing no signs whatsoever that she's ill. Any information you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks from a devastated bunny owner.

ANSWER: Dear Michaela,

Okay, hold it.  Just how was this "skin cancer" diagnosed?  And is the vet who diagnosed this experienced with rabbits?

Granted, I cannot see your bunny to know for sure, but this does not sound like skin cancer.  This sounds as if it could be a case of sarcoptic mange, which looks very different in rabbits than it does in dogs and cats.  I have to wonder if the vet is a dog/cat vet who simply doesn't know what s/he's seeing here.

Unless the cancer was confirmed via biopsy and histopathology by a qualified laboratory (NOT the vet in his/her own office), I would not automatically assume the diagnosis is correct.  Please find an experienced rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

for a second opinion, and please let me know just how the cancer was diagnosed.  This is extremely, extremely uncommon in rabbits, and what you describe is not consistent with the skin cancers that do occasionally pop up in rabbits.  

If your bunny has crusty, patchy areas--especially around the nose, lips, ears, toes, etc. then this is not skin cancer.  It's mange.  And it's easily and quickly treated with Revolution (selamectin) from an experienced vet.

I hope that's all this is.  But please write back and let me know, if you can.

Take care,
Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Dana, You were right, it's not skin cancer, but it wasn't a mis-diagnosis, it was my mum getting confused by what the vet had told her. Daisy had 3 biopsies taken, and what they found was Epithelio trophic lymphoma (correct spelling?). Apparently it's very rare in rabbits and only slightly more common in older dogs and cats. There is very little about it on the internet, although we've found a case in a dog where he lived a number of years after being diagnosed. The Vet's who sent the samples away to the lab had not heard much of this cancer themselves, but apparently there is a vet in Glasgow, Scotland and one in my home city of Liverpool, England who know a little about it.
I really feel confused as she is acting so happy and eating/drinking/sleeping like any other normal bunny.
Have you heard of this condition? The patches she has are, so far, at the back of her neck, covering her back legs (which have lost alot of fur), her head/ears, and lots of scabs and patches dotted across her entire body.
Many thanks for any help or advice you can offer,
Michaela

ANSWER: Dear Michaela,

I have not heard of this condition in rabbits, and to tell you the truth, the description you give really sounds like mange.

If this were my rabbit, I would insist that she be administered Revolution/Stronghold (selamectin), just *in case* this is a misdiagnosis.  If this is mange (and I'm telling you, it really, really sounds like it!), then the scabs should begin healing within two weeks.

I think it is certainly worth a try.  If it's mange, then you will have a healthy rabbit again.  If it is truly a lymphoma, then you will have lost nothing by trying.

You can see pictures of rabbits with advanced mange here:

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

though each case presents a little differently, depending on the severity of the infestation.  If you can send a clear picture of Daisy, I might be better able to see if this is really something different.

I hope this helps.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Dana, as the patches have been developing for about 6 months, she has had every test known to find out what the problem is, skin scraping, hair samples, blood samples and biopsies (to name a few), the tests for mange and other similar skin conditions have been ruled out.
As it stands, because she is still a happy bunny, the problem is mainly cosmetic, in that she's acting normal and the patches are not bothering her, she doesn't scratch them and she doesn't nip at herself.
I whole-heartedly appreciate your second opinion!! And now we're waiting for a rabbit expert in Scotland to get back to us with his research on the condition.
Months ago she was given mange treatment as well as other skin treatments just incase the vets had missed something, but unfortunately they proved unsuccessful.
All I can take from the situation right now is that she's still my crazy Daisy and we'll try to make her as happy as we can until she shows signs of the cancer spreading, which may take a while as it is a very slow process.
Thank-you for all of your help Dana.
Michaela

Answer
Dear Michaela,

I'm sorry about this sad diagnosis, and hope it might somehow be wrong.  If she received Stronghold (selamectin) for mites, and it didn't help, then this really could be the very, very unusual cancer that was indicated via biopsy.

I hope some of the treatments might be successful.

I read one report in which interferon was used successfully in a cat.  Just FYI.

I hope your Daisy will be well.

Take care,
Dana