HELP - SWELLING ON EAR AT SITE OF VACCINATION

Question
Hi please help im stressing out. We had our 9 week old baby mini lop vaccinated against myxo last wednesday. the vet said she had to put some of the vaccine under the skin so she put some in her ear. as she did it she said i must be careful not to get a blood vessel - but she did and there was blood everywhere. the bleeding stopped no problems and she has been fine since. however when i got home today the area at the site of the injection on her ear has swollen into a hard round lump with a scab on top its is about 1cm diameter. it feels very hard and is warm to touch - i am very worried it may be infected she is eating and drinking fine. i rang the emergency vet who said to keep an eye on her adn take her if any changes - but im stressing out. is this a common complication or more serious - please help us thanks so much emma

Answer
Dear Emma,

It's not uncommon for any animal (including a human) to have an immune reaction at the site of a vaccination, and this may be what's happening to your bunny.  This does not sound like an immediately life-threatening emergency, but I would recommend that you get the bunny to a good rabbit vet as soon as possible (tomorrow, if you can), just to set your mind at ease.

If it is an abscess, then it sounds as if it is encapsulated, and unless the capsule is breached, it should not be dangerous for some time.  Avoid touching it too much, and just let her be, since the bunny is eating well and acting fine at the moment.  

The vet will be the best person to examine it in person and see if it's something that needs further treatment.  If you're not sure you know a good rabbit vet, then you may be able to locate one via the International Vet Listings here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope that helps!

Dana