hard lump on my rabbits face

Question
hi,

I'm wondering if you can help me, i have noticed a extremely hard lump on my rabbits face today. its just by his cheek near his ear. its completely solid and isn't bothering him at all when its touched. he is eating and drinking and seems completely normal. do you have any idea what this could be?

many thanks


Answer
Dear Sarah,

A very solid lump that does not move with the skin could be a jaw abscess, or some type of tumor.  In either case, I would *strongly* urge you to get your bunny to a good rabbit vet for diagnosis and treatment:

www.rabbit.org/vets

A rabbit doesn't show pain until it's almost unbearable, and a lesion like this is certainly painful.  The sooner you know what it is, the sooner he can be on the road to recovery.  If it's a jaw abscess, these articles might help:

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

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

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

You can find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope that helps!

Dana