swollen tail area

Question
Yesterday, I noticed my large new zealand while rabbit had a buldge sticking out under her tail. I have had her for several years and never noticed anything like it before. When I examined it, I noticed the area is very hard and smells really bad.  She seems to be eating and drinking and pooping normally though.

Answer
Dear Alison,

Without seeing the bunny, I cannot say for sure what this is.  But it sounds as if it could be an abscess, and this needs to be treated by a vet *immediately*.  If she is outdoors, there could be maggots in the lump, and this could be fatal if it is not treated immediately and aggressively.

Please find a good vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

and get bunny to the vet for treatment without delay.  If it smells bad, it's infected and is going to attract flies, which can kill her.  The vet will be able to clean the affected area, treat appropriately, and prescribe rabbit-safe antibiotics, if necessary.  Please waste no time in getting the bunny to a good vet.

I hope this helps.

Dana