rabbit heatlh spots on ears

Question
Hi, I have two pet rabbits, 1yr old, one male, one female, both sterilized. They live outside in half the garden near Perth, Australia.  The male has tiny little lumps on his ears, hard to see but easy to feel.  Feel like dozens of tiny pimples.  Skin looks healthy, no hair loss, no scabs, no discomfort.  While patting him tonight I discovered three small similar lumps on his back.  Female rabbit has no lumps.  Any ideas?  Cheers, Helen.

Answer
Dear Helen,

Some rabbits are prone to developing small fibromas, little fibrous benign tumors, in the skin on various areas of the body.  These are usually small (about 1/4 the size of a pea, or so), and they move freely with the skin.  They are not a health concern, as long as each individual one stays the same and doesn't grow or change in shape (which would not happen, if these are really fibromas).

If you're not sure, have a good rabbit vet take a look.  I know it will be a challenge to find one in Australia, but there are some international vet listings linked here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

that might be helpful.

Hope this helps set your mind at ease.

Dana