Abscess/cyst open

Question
We have a lionhead (approx 2mo old) that we noticed had a lump (peanut size-no shell) on her underside when we got her 2 weeks ago.  Now this lump is larger (or seems larger, it just may be more on the surface), the skin is open and was very dark and dry/crusted in the center, it is not dark anymore but more of a light amber.  She also has a bit of a runny nose today.  I know she should be seen by a vet but, sadly my husband was raised on a farm where rabbits were not pets :(  He has vetoed the vet and we are trying to find some solid answers to what we can do for her at home.  She acts like nothing is wrong, but I know she is not well.  Any help is greatly appreciated.  Please- no lectures for my husband, we have tried.

Answer
Hi Christa,

Two things come to mind.  First, depending on where you live, it could be a warble.  It is the larvae of a large hairy fly generically called a bot fly.  It is seen often in squirrels and sometimes in horses.  It will appear as a lump that will increase in size.  The center may look a bit crusty and will have have pus in the middle.  If it is a bot, look closely at the center of the lump.  The larvae will have a "gill" that will move when it breathes.  We do try to extract them when possible but it is very risky to do so.  If the larvae's body is compromised inside the host's (in this case maybe the rabbit" body, it can cause a type of shock and death.  It takes a skilled vet to extract these.  Another possibility is an actual skin abscess.  This can be caused by a localized infection from something like a cut or a bite injury from something like a rodent, reptile or insect.  If it is infected, it is possible that without treatment that the infection can become septic and will cause death.  

Treating infections is rabbits can be very tricky.  Some commonly used antibiotics used for dogs and cats or "down on the farm" (no offense meant since I also live in a farming area) can be deadly to rabbits.  To give you an idea of how important proper treatment is....a commonly used flea med for dogs, Frontline, will kill a rabbit.  Many of the antibiotics that are purchased at farm supplies can also lead to major health issues.  I understand about your husband...at one time, I was the same way.  But in this case, the moral and legal thing to do is to seek veterinary advice and assistance.  I also live near a major vet school...and one of the hot areas to be in for vet students is large animal medicine...cows, hogs, etc.  Times have changed and the real "farm people" have no problem seeking professional advice from a skilled vet.  Don't let your husband be in one of the "has beens"...real farm people want the best for their animals.  Keep at it...and good luck.

Randy