mammary tumors in rabbits

Question
dana-i have a six yr. old rabbit that had a mammary tumor removed in nov. the tumor was malignant, however they were able to remove all of the mass. her x-ray was also clear. the tumor was sent off to be tested and her report said "guarded" apparently, there are some cells around the outer tissue. my vet said that because there are cells, we just have to watch to make sure nothing grows back and that even though she does have some cells, it's not as bad. she is healing quite nicely by the way. my question is, will another tumor for sure grow back or is there a good chance that it won't? my vet also said that it's better to "wait and see" because if a lump does happen, they have a better idea on getting the whole mass out. is that true? i trust my vet but i would like your opinion. also, with these cells in her, could she still have a good long life?
thanks,
bridget

Answer
Dear Bridget,

As the "guarded" prognosis says, there is absolutely no way to know whether the tumor will recur.  There is a chance it will, and a change it won't.  Your vet is wise to take the "wait and see" route because further invasive surgery now could just make things worse, and increase the risk of metastasis.

Unfortunately, chemotherapy drugs are not really "calibrated" for use in rabbits, and all the incidences of their use I've known of in rabbits have been dismal failures, making things worse.  Radiation has slightly better results, but you have to have something to target--which you don't at this time.

So I'd say, as your vet says, "wait and see" and hope for the best.  She could be with you for a very long time.  I hope so!

Dana