health/Lump

Question
I just found a lump under my rabbits left nipple. It is bigger than a toownie and if quite hard and bumpy, it does not seem to be affecting it in any way. My rabbit is about 7-8 years old a is a male. Do you recommend bring it to a vet if so does it need to have it shots? Do you have any imput on this situation?
Thank you Melissa

Answer
Dear Melissa,

A lump like this is not normal, and it should be examined (and perhaps biopsied) by a good rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Mammary cancer is rare in males, but it can occur.  It also could be an abscess, or another type of cancer, such as a sarcoma.  Before proper treatment can be prescribed, the nature of the lump must be assessed.  

If it's an abscess, then the correct antibiotics should be prescribed once the vet has the results of a culture and sensitivity test:

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

If it's cancer, the treatment options are not as promising.  I hope it's nothing serious.  But please get your bunny to the vet for complete diagnosis and treatment.

Hope this helps.

Dana