What is a rabbit tumor? Several different types of tumors can develop in rabbits. Sometimes these bumps can be a problem, but sometimes they’re just unsightly.
It is important to know what type of tumor your rabbit has or does not have so that rabbit owners can take all the necessary steps to keep their rabbits safe and healthy.
What is a rabbit tumor?
A tumor is a mass or mass that forms in or on a rabbit. A tumor is a collection of cells that grow abnormally and give rise to a tumor.
Sometimes these lumps contain fluid, fat, cancer cells, blood, and other substances, but they’re not always bad.
Some tumors are benign and may not spread, while others are malignant and spread to other parts of the body.
Tumor types in rabbits
1. Lipoma Tumor
Lipomas are tumors filled with fatty tissue. Rabbits don’t usually get this type of tumor, but it’s not unheard of. Lipomas spread throughout the body and are often softer
or “softer” than other types of tumors when squeezed.
They are not cancerous, but can grow quickly. The main medical risk of lipomas is their size; they can grow too large and cause mobility problems in rabbits.
If your rabbit’s lipoma interferes with its movement, your veterinarian may recommend surgery to remove the tumor.
2. Rabbit cyst
Cysts are sacs in the skin filled with cystic material (similar to skin tags in humans). These nodules can form all over the rabbit’s body, and when squeezed, they are usually firmer than lipomas.
Sometimes a surgical veterinarian can cut or open the cyst and remove the contents without sedating the rabbit, but other times, a more problematic cyst may require surgical removal.
Cysts are usually not a problem unless they rupture and become infected. Rabbits can also cause pain when a cyst ruptures, so this is not something that should be allowed to happen if possible.
There is no medicine to make the cyst go away, but antibiotics will be prescribed if the infection is a concern.
Internal cysts, such as ovarian cysts, cannot be seen on the outside of the rabbit, but the veterinarian can feel them during an examination or identify them on an X-ray.
If a rabbit does not reproduce, it may be at risk of developing ovarian cysts. Just like humans, they can be extremely painful if they rupture and require surgery to remove them.
3. Rabbit Abscess
An abscess is just a bag of pus. Pus is made up of bacteria and white blood cells and indicates an infection in the area.
An abscess may look like a lump or lump, but when it is poked, the pus drains. An unpleasant odor and pink discharge from the lump are signs of an abscess.
Rabbits can develop abscesses due to trauma or infection. They can occur anywhere on the body and require immediate treatment.
Diseased or overgrown teeth, wounds, and other infections can all lead to abscesses. Abscesses in rabbits can be difficult to treat and difficult to detect if they are internal. Sometimes surgical excision is the only way to remove a stubborn abscess in a rabbit.
4. Cancer in Rabbits
Cancer in rabbits is the tumor type of greatest concern. Cancerous tumors can appear on any part or body of a rabbit’s body, but they are not always malignant.
Sometimes a cancerous tumor is benign, which means it doesn’t spread, so it can be surgically removed without further concern.
Rabbits can develop cancer in a number of ways, but they usually grow quickly and feel like a lump when squeezed. Rabbits can develop cancers similar to dogs and cats. Tumors on bones, skin, and internal organs all appear in rabbits.
5. Rabbit myxoma
These nodules appear in some rabbits with certain chronic myxomatosis. A vaccine for the dreaded disease, usually spread through insect bites, is already available in the UK, but not in the US.
Rabbit tumor treatment
If a lump is felt on your rabbit, whether oozing, firm, tender, or shaking, it should be checked by a visiting veterinarian as soon as possible.
If growth needs to be surgically removed and is potentially cancerous, care needs to be taken sooner rather than later in case it is malignant.
If needed, medication can also be given as soon as possible to help rabbits with tumors. Not all lumps are bad, but by being proactive about checking every lump, rabbit owners can hope to prolong the life of their rabbits and keep them as comfortable as possible.
Summary
Neither you nor I want tumors in our pet rabbits. However, in the unfortunate event that your pet rabbit is found to have an abnormal tumor.
The first thing to do is take them to the nearest veterinary facility. Fortunately, it may just be a benign tumor and your pet rabbit is healthy.
If you have any questions or suggestions for me, please leave a comment. I will reply asap.
