I need some advice please

[oschar2830]

Hello everyone, I need some advice regarding my 7 year old male bunny Stewart. He has been rather quiet this week and not eating or drinking nearly enough. He has been out several times this week roaming my front yard enjoying the exercise and sunshine. Because I have noticed that he has not been his usual self I brought him in the house today after being outside for several hours. He ate a little carrot and apple. When I picked him up to put back in his cage I felt 2 lumps underneath to the side of his belly. One felt similar to a pea and the other bigger. I didn't want to feel anymore of his belly or abdomen. He didn't seem to be bothered by me touching them so I am assuming he is not in pain. I tried looking up illnesses etc on the internet but did not find anything at all relating to lumps. I will try and get him in to the vets tomorrow for a check up but in the meantime I was wondering if anyone would know what the lumps could be and is it something serious or are older rabbits prone to such things. Not too sure how long rabbits live to but guessing domestic rabbits would live between 5 and 10 years if well looked after.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Tauntz]

Sorry, I am still rather new to bunnies or at least I still feel too new to bunnies to be very helpful. I applaud your watchfulness in seeing a problem & making the vet appointment as soon as you could. I hope there is nothing seriously wrong with your bunny & he will be fine. Hopefully our more experienced bunny members will be along soon to offer you some helpful advice until you do get to the vet. My only advice is to continue monitoring his eating, drinking & poop. Also keep encouraging him to eat especially his hay to keep his digestive tract working, oh & water too! Don't forget stress is bad for both of you, so keep good thoughts & monitor him until you can get to the vet. Hope he will be okay!

 

[JBun]

I'm sorry your rabbit isn't feeling well. No, lumps aren't normal for rabbits at any age. It's possible the lumps you found are abscesses. The vet can do a fine needle aspirate to try and determine if it is an abscess, and if so, surgery and antibiotics may be necessary. Hopefully it's not this, but tumors are a possibility as well. With your bun having a reduced appetite, pain medication might be needed, as well as a recovery food like Critical Care Mix as you may need to supplement his feedings. If the vet doesn't give you these things, you may want to ask about them. I hope the vet visit goes well. Please keep us updated.

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