Lump on our rabbit

Question
Hi, Just the other day our rabbit developed a lump on his right side.  Just
above his shoulder.  We are not quite sure what caused it.  Other rabbits bit
him a little over a week ago but he seemed fine.  We took him to a vet who
said that it was an abscess.  The vet told us to give him a prescribe antibiotic,
Which we are.  And to give him a table spoon of yogurt in the morning and at
night.  The vet also recommended that we have the abscess removed.  The
total cost is going to be $260.  Is this totally necessary or will the antibiotic
work?  We were also moving at the end of the month and his airfare was
going to cost $180.  We don't have much money to spend but love our rabbit
very much.  Please give me any advice on how to deal with the lump.  Thank
you!

Answer
Dear Smitty,

If the vet is sure this is an abscess, then I have to agree that the best course of action is to remove it surgically.  Rabbit pus is *very* thick and difficult to dissolve and metabolize with just medical treatment with antibiotics--although certain antibiotics will be more effective than others at solving the problem.  Please read:

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

A culture and sensitivity test would mean sampling the abscess, which might not be a good idea since rupturing the capsule could cause it to spread.  It's a judgement call--but I do agree with the vet that removal of the abscess would be in your bunny's best interest.

I hope this helps with your decision.  Good luck!
Dana