Nipple swollen

Question
Hi there,
I was bathing my 4y/o female rabbit this past weekend and noticed a swollen nipple that was purple in color.  at first i didn't even notice it as a nipple.  it was swollen and sticking out.  the rabbit seems healthy.  she has not been spayed and has an appt in 3 weeks to get it done.  is this a serious health problem? Have you ever heard of anythign like this before? she is an indoor rabbit and gets excersise but not as much as i should give her.  i am nervous that this is cancer or something.

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

I haven't had a problem like this myself.  I guess I'd have to think if she appears to be in pain or discomfort when your fingers were in that area.  If your hand or fingers brushed over the area with enough pressure, that may have may it swell and protrude a bit.  If she was in pain when this happened then I'd definitely bring it to the attention of the vet during your visit.

If the coloring was the only issue, and you didn't see any chafing or dry, cracked skin, or anything like that, then I'd say it poses no immediate problem.  If it is dry or flaky skin, you can get some Bag Balm or even Preparation H and rub some on there and help it heal.

Just out of curiousity, why are you bathing your rabbit?  Healthy rabbits don't require baths and generally don't like water or getting wet.  The only time we would recommend water would be for a 'messy butt' situation.

Write anytime.  And let me know what the vet says.  At 4 years unspayed I wouldn't automatically jump to a problem or cancer.  Don't let that worry you until there's real evidence such a problem actually exists.  Besides, you're doing the best thing for her anyways by having her spayed.

I'd double-check if you are not 100% confident in the vet to go to   www.rabbit.org\vets

and see if there is a recommended House Rabbit Society vet near you.  Just make sure the vet gives you pain meds (metacam probably) for her for 4-5 days afterwards, and also an antibiotic as a precaution (baytril probably).  Bring along some of her favorite foods that they (or you if you stay) can give her when she's in post-op to entice her to start eating as soon as possible.

Lee