Rabbit Lump

Question
Hi,

I have a 7 year old rabbit who had an absess removed about 4 months ago.

About 2 months ago i noticed another lump around his scrotal area (where the original had been, the vet castrated him when removing the absess).

This was quiet big, about 2 inches in size...

I returned to the vet and was advised it was a tumour and as the rabbit was eating ok to allow him to continue until the lump 'became a problem', basically saying there was nothing else we could do.

The lump has now grown massively, its about 5 inches in length, and 4 inches across, probably 1 to 2 inches deep. It also ulcerated and i returned him to the vets who still said nothing they could do but provided anti biotics to help heal the ulceration, this seems to have healed but our Rabbit is still eating and drinking and looks fine unless youi pick him up.

I trust the vet, however I do feel that there could be more we could do, particularly as he is eating and looks so well.

Have you any thoughts on what the lump could be, if it was cancer how long would a rabbit normally be healthy for after initial signs?

Answer
Hi Paul,

thanks for writing.  It sounds like you are pretty attached to your guy.  It sounds like he is still enjoying a high quality of life despite the growth.

From your description, it does not appear this lump (I'd say large growth) has had an impact on your rabbits' happiness or will to live.  Also it sounds like this is the only health issue he is facing, that he is pretty much okay except for this one thing.  Age is a factor but if he is healthy otherwise, it's not a huge deal, age 7 for a rabbit is only 49-63 in human years, so he's not 80-90-ish.

I combine this with the fact you sound like you might be willing to do something about it, if possible, as you asre asking if there is anything else you can do.

If you would be willing to afford it, I would strongly suggest finding a good rabbit vet in your area, and having him or her do a diagnosis on your rabbit, and see what they suggest.  

I would check around with other rabbit owners you know and see if they recommend a particular excellent rabbit vet.  You can also go here:

www.rabbit.org\vets

and locate a vet that is in your area that is recommended by the House Rabbit Society as a good rabbit vet.  You don't want to waste time with someone who is not a specialist with rabbits.  They will have a better grasp of the problem and will be able to offer you the widest possible array of options to consider.

I would say that at 7 and being healthy, under the care of a good rabbit vet, he should have a good chance of going through a surgery, if that is an option offered.  the vet can tell you any specific health issues during the exam, but apart from finding something unusual, he should be able to pull through it well.

Even if it is cancer, it depends on if it has spread or not.  If it is caught before it spreads, or if it is the kind that doesn't spread fast, it would be worth it just to give him more mobility and cut down on risk of sores/infection (like he has now).  Even if it is fast spreading there may be some advantages to removing it so that he can live a little better, longer.

The bottom line is, it's your call as to whether he gets this taken care of or not.  Not the vets.  If he doesn't want to do the operation and thinks there is nothing else to do, then clearly you need to go to a good rabbit vet that does offer surgery as an option and believes there is something else that can be done.

Feel free to write back anytime, let me know how this works out.

Lee