Fatty tumor?

Question
QUESTION: I have an 8 year old rabbit and I felt a lump on her belly about 2 nights ago. She's acting perfectly normal, eating fine and is happy as can be. I'm positive it is not an emergency and if it progresses, I will DEFINITELY take her to the vet. I was just wondering if you think it might be a fatty tumor? Or maybe a bug bite since she lives in a hutch by my garden where bugs are all the time? The lump is not visible through her thick fur (which she hasn't lost due to the bump) and it seems to be right under her teat. Could it just be swollen since she's in heat? I'm 98% that it is not cancerous.

Any response would be greatly appreciated! =)

ANSWER: Dear Michelle,

A mass like this could be a fatty tumor if it's very soft and squishy and moves with the skin.  But its location is worrisome.  If your bunny is not spayed, I would be concerned that it might be a mammary tumor or abscess.

I would get her to a good rabbit vet ASAP for proper in-person diagnosis and appropriate treatment, as necessary.  You can find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

It's not an emergency, but it *is* something that should be seen as soon as possible, as prompt treatment/removal of an abnormal mass is the best way to provide a complete cure.

I hope this helps.

Dana

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

QUESTION: How much do a check up for rabbits run?
I don't have a lot of extra cash at the moment.

Thanks for the advice!

Answer
Dear Michelle,

Rates for a check up vary tremendously, depending on the vet and where you are.  I'd recommend you use the list here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

and call around to get prices, then act accordingly.  But remember:  you often get what you pay for.

Hope this helps.

Dana