Rabbit Treatment Nassau County, NY | Case Study #11

angela5591
10 minutes ago
2 min read

Case Study #11: Rabbit Sarcoma Surgery & Chemotherapy

Species: Rabbit (Age 9)

Location: Nassau County, NY

Rabbit Soft Tissue Sarcoma Surgery and Chemotherapy for Long Island Patient at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic

Finding a lump on your pet is scary. When the Rabbit, a 9-year-old patient from Nassau County, developed a raised mass on the neck, the owners acted quickly - a decision that saved the patient's life.

The Diagnosis: Soft Tissue Sarcoma

We performed a surgical excision (removal) of the mass and sent it to the lab. The results confirmed a Soft Tissue Sarcoma, a type of cancer. Unfortunately, these tumors are aggressive, and three months later, the mass returned.

The Treatment: Oncology Protocol

Cancer treatment in rabbits is possible and often successful.

Staging: We performed a CT Scan to check for metastasis (spread) and to plan the second surgery.
Surgery: We performed a second, wider excision to remove the recurrent tumor.
Chemotherapy: Post-surgery, the Rabbit was started on a protocol of oral chemotherapy and steroids.

Recovery

The patient is being carefully managed with routine bloodwork and imaging to track the response. With the combination of surgery and medical management, the Rabbit is maintaining an excellent quality of life.

FAQs

Can rabbits get chemotherapy? Yes. We often use oral chemotherapy drugs that are well-tolerated by rabbits. They do not typically lose their fur or get as sick as humans do during chemo.
Is a lump on a rabbit always an abscess? No. While abscesses are common, tumors like sarcomas also occur. A biopsy or FNA (fine-needle aspiration) is required to confirm.

Contact Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic: