very very large inoperable tumor

[Lisa9902]

We rescued a rabbit that had been surrendered twice, they weren’t sure if she had been spayed.

I was guessing she was spayed because we had read about behaviors of unsprayed rabbits, but our buns displayed none of them, but we just don’t know. 

She is calm and loving. Perfect pet.  A very large mass is growing on her belly, getting bigger daily.

 We took her to the vet, weeks ago, but they said it was likely mammary cancer and she didn’t think surgery would be an option for several different reasons. With the vet we decided not to do anything, but keep an eye on her. (and yes, it was a rabbit trained vet)

no more than 3 weeks later it’s still growing and hanging on the ground now! And I am freaking out a bit.  But she is happy as can be! Eating, pooping and peeing normally.  She’s still sprinting around the house.   I was thinking of taking her to a different vet, but my gut is saying they will tell me the same.

My question is, when do I need to think about putting her down?  Will I know? The lump doesn’t seem to bother her one bit, but I just don’t know how big it will get.  I was hoping it would stop growing and she would enjoy life with us for a while longer.  I have never had a pet before, and this is my kids first pet, and they are devastated.  Please don’t send me messages and make me feel badly about not doing anything about the mass.  This was a decision I made with a vet.  Please anybody with similar stories?  I have tried googling, but not coming up with what I’m looking for.

Thank you in advance.

[Sindri]

I have had a cat with a cancerous tumor that was inoperable but not a rabbit. Have you considered getting a second opinion? I would maybe do that and see what their thoughts are. As for when to put her down. You will know when the time is right. I worried and wondered about that on a almost hourly basis. I don’t know if your rabbit has cancer but I knew my cat did it was really hard. Basically though if her quality of life starts to suffer, say like not being able to eat or get around those are signs that it is time.

Try to enjoy what time you have with her. She sounds like a lovely bunny.

[Flopsie]

if you have the option, I would get a second opinion just so you can be sure you have all the info to work with. As you said, likely, the answer is the same, but I think the second opinion is always a good idea. Different but related story, in the late 80’s my mother was told she needed to get a major surgery due to a weird lump. She refused to believe it and sought a second opinion. They gave her information and as it turned out she didn’t need the procedure and was able to take care of the issue. Like I said, not the same situation but I would recommend you see someone else.

As far ask when you will know to put her down, I think that when the time comes you will know. I think in general if quality of life suffers, and she is no longer able to enjoy life, then it would be a good idea to put her down.

Good luck

[Megabunny]

It’s been my experience that rabbits will eat right up to about the time of their demise, as it is part of their nature to do everything they can for survival. But weight loss or trouble getting around due to the tumor getting larger…the whole quality of life. Or it may actually start ulcerating. That would no doubt be painful and don’t wait until she goes off her feed to decide it’s time, because she will very likely continue to eat. So sorry to hear you’re going through this. Even if you get a second opinion, bear in mind the HUGE impact of surgery. It may not be the direction you would want to go anyway, depending on how big the tumor really is. All the best in your upcoming decisions. You’ll be the best judge.

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