Uterine cancer

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Uterine cancer, also known as uterine or endometrial adenocarcinoma or uterine neoplasia, is a serious risk for intact female rabbits. Uterine adenocarcinoma is a gland-like malignant type of tumor that arises from the secretory tissue that lines the inner cavity of the uterus. The tumors usually arise from the endometrial or inside layers of the uterus.

Reported incidence rates of uterine cancer in rabbits have ranged from 50%-80% in female rabbits over 4 years of age, especially in certain breeds.[1] For this reason alone, rescues and veterinarians strongly recommend the spaying of female non-breeding rabbits.

Symptoms

Intact female rabbits over 3-4 years of age are most at risk.

  • Blood in urine.
  • Vaginal discharge stained with blood.
  • Cysts in the mammary glands and mammary growths.
  • Cloudy fluid that may come from the mammary glands.
  • Behavioral changes, including aggressiveness.
  • Lethargy, inability to eat, and pale mucous membranes.
  • Abdominal masses

Experiences

Below are some anecdotes about encounters with uterine and other reproductive cancers in rabbits - some operable, some not.

Further reading

The following are scientific papers analyzing the statistics of uterine disorders in intact female rabbits.

See also

References

  1. British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Policy Statement on the Neutering of Rabbits