Lymphoma in rabbits

Question
Hi Dana,  My 3 year old Californian, Calli, was diagnosed this morning with lymphoma of the kidneys.  The sonogram showed that the kidneys were enlarged and appeared to have abscesses, which were biopsied and lymphoma was found.  We have no desire to do chemo or radiation therapy and are going to try a regime of prednisone to see if it reduces the tumours, but have you heard of any successful treatments recently?  Her creatinine was over 12 and her hematocrit was a bit low, but I forget the numbers.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I have also posted on Etherbun!  Many thanks!  Megan

Answer
Dear Megan,

I'm so sorry about this sad diagnosis.  The prognosis is very poor, especially if the condition has progressed to the point where her kidney and adrenal (the low hematocrit) function is affected.  Prednisone certainly is worth a try at this point, even though it is a drug of last resort.  It will probably make her feel better and give her some pain relief.

If she still seems to be in pain, ask the vet about adding Tramadol to the prednisone, as these are safe to combine and should afford very good pain relief.

Lymphomas are usually very aggressive and do not respond long term to chemo or radiation, so I think you are wise to spare her the suffering of those rough treatments.  But at this point--as sad as I am to say it--the best thing you can do is spoil her rotten, love her to pieces and enjoy the love and time you have left.  You never know what the power of love can do.

Sending healing thoughts to you and Calli.

Dana