Rabbit Care: Understanding Cancer Of The Uterus
Cancer of the uterus is a common cancer in female adult rabbits and is characterised by the formation of malignant tumours along the internal lining of the uterus. There's not always an identifiable cause for developing this type of cancer, but when a rabbit has another reproductive condition, such as endometriosis, they are at an increased risk of developing cancer of the uterus. This cancer can be successfully treated when it's diagnosed early, but when it spreads to surrounding tissue or moves into your rabbit's bloodstream, it can be fatal. Here's an overview of cancer of the uterus in rabbits.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of cancer of the uterus include blood in the urine and the development of a mass in the abdomen. Your rabbit will also become lethargic and lose their appetite, which can quickly lead to dehydration. Anaemia is common with this type of cancer, and an anaemic rabbit will typically have pale gums. Uterine tumours can be painful, and your rabbit may become withdrawn or aggressive if they are in pain. Additionally, hormonal changes caused by the presence of tumours can lead to the mammary glands becoming swollen.
Diagnosis
Your vet will diagnose cancer of the uterus by taking details of your rabbit's symptoms and conducting a physical exam. They will take blood and urine samples to check for raised inflammatory markers n your rabbit's blood or signs their organs are under stress. Diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI, will be required to confirm the presence of tumours and determine their size and exact location. A biopsy of the uterine tissue will then be taken and this will be analysed to confirm the presence of cancerous cells and determine whether there's a secondary bacterial infection present in the uterus, which can occur as a complication of this type of cancer.
Treatment
Treatment for cancer of the uterus involves your rabbit undergoing a hysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of their reproductive organs. When the cancerous cells have not spread beyond the uterus, this surgery will cure your rabbit. However, if the cancerous cells have spread, chemotherapy will be required, but this is not always successful. In addition to treating the cancer, your rabbit may require antibiotics if they have a bacterial infection, and they will require intravenous fluids if they are dehydrated.
If you're rabbit has any of the symptoms associated with cancer of the uterus, or if you have any concerns about their reproductive health, schedule an appointment at your local veterinary hospital as soon as possible.
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