lump on the thorax

Question
hi!  my bunny, butterscotch, is 8 yrs and 10 months old.  recently, she developed a lump on her left side and has lost a full pound.  she stopped hopping around much (she has full run of the condo). we went to the vet.  he said her heartrate is normal and strong, mouth/eyes/nose are clear.  so, he took blood from the lump but said he didn't recognize the sample (also said that whatever it is, he is against surgery as it is attached to the thorax and would be traumatic for her?).  they sent the slide to a lab for reading and are supposed to get back with me.  they gave me metacam for her in case her lack of hopping is arthritis-based.  the vet said for me to just get her to eat and put weight on her.  i've been hand feeding her everything ... shredded her carrots, spinach, carrot greens, broccoli, timothy hay, etc.  anyhoo, so what could this be and what would you recommend?!?  i looove butterscotch so much!!!!  i would never make her suffer just to be here with me, but if i can save her and give her a few more fun & comfortable years, i will!

thanks!
karen

Answer
Dear Karen,

An immovable, attached lump on the ribs is definitely not a good thing, and is not unlikely to be cancer.  There are various treatments available, of which surgery is probably the most traumatic and least preferable, since the vet isn't likely to be able to get all of the cancer out if it's attached to underlying tissues.

I would suggest you join EtherBun:

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

a free listserve with over 5000 subscribers.  If you tell them your story, and ask for people's experience with radiation and/or chemotherapy, I'm sure you'll get some valuable information.

I hope this helps.

Dana