Rabbit question--large lump

[Chickenlover720]

So I have a rabbit that is 8 years old (he is a meat rabbit turned pet) and he has a large lump on one of his rear legs. It's quite large, about the size of a baseball and to be honest I didn't notice anything until one day I just saw the large lump. I don't know if it developed slowly or if it came on suddenly. He doesn't really act like he's in pain but he does occasionally turn around in circles like he's trying to bite it. He'll stand up on his hind legs with no problem and he doesn't wince or anything whenever I touch the lump. If anybody has seen something like this or has any clue what it may be, please let me know. Thank you in advance!

 

[Skye'sDucks]

To me that is most likely an abscess, or maybe a growth? I don't know much about either, at least on the leg (I have dealt once with a dental abscess on a rabbit), but common knowledge tells me that. Is it hard when you touch it or soft?

I typically don't like to take rabbits to a vet, as a lot of things are able to be treated at home, but if vet is an option I'd get it checked out. If he were mine I'd want to do my own research on it and have it removed if possible. Any lump like that can't be good.

Perhaps another person can give you a better answer, but that's what I think.

 

[cassie]

It is either a tumor or an abscess. I'm guessing it is most likely as abscess. If so it will eventually come to a head and rupture. When it does, flush it out with peroxide. Keep it open so that it will heal from the inside out.

 

[Chickenlover720]

To me that is most likely an abscess, or maybe a growth? I don't know much about either, at least on the leg (I have dealt once with a dental abscess on a rabbit), but common knowledge tells me that. Is it hard when you touch it or soft?

I typically don't like to take rabbits to a vet, as a lot of things are able to be treated at home, but if vet is an option I'd get it checked out. If he were mine I'd want to do my own research on it and have it removed if possible. Any lump like that can't be good.

Perhaps another person can give you a better answer, but that's what I think.

Thanks for your reply. I believe that when I first noticed the lump it was softish, but now it is quite hard. I'm afraid that the vet is not an option for me... if money were no object I'd take him in a heartbeat, but sadly this is not the case.

 

[Chickenlover720]

It is either a tumor or an abscess. I'm guessing it is most likely as abscess. If so it will eventually come to a head and rupture. When it does, flush it out with peroxide. Keep it open so that it will heal from the inside out.

If it does rupture how do I keep him from going at the open wound?

 

[cassie]

If it does rupture how do I keep him from going at the open wound?

That probably won't be much of a problem. If it is, get some bitter apple spray. Abscesses, once the rupture heal up very quickly. It is a good idea to flush them out and keep the area clean.

 

[Chickenlover720]

That probably won't be much of a problem. If it is, get some bitter apple spray. Abscesses, once the rupture heal up very quickly. It is a good idea to flush them out and keep the area clean.

Thank you that's good to know. I think that it has gotten firmer since it first appeared. Do you think that would be a sign of an abscess?

 

[cassie]

I have no idea. It would be easier for me to tell if I could see it and feel it. If it is an abscess time will tell. Hot compresses once or twice a day will help it to come to a head if it is an abscess.