Uterine Cancer

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The most common tumor of domestic rabbits involves the uterine

lining.  In breeding rabbits, the early signs of this tumor

involve decreased fertility, smaller litter sizes, abortions

and stillbirths.  In pet rabbits, the most common clinical sign

of a uterine tumor is intermittent bleeding from the vulva.  This

vulvar bleeding is often mistaken for blood in the urine.  The

volume of hemorrhage can be substantial and alarming.  If

bleeding is intermittent, the results of a urinalysis may be

normal between bleeding episodes.



Though this type of tumor can spread to the lungs, spaying of

affected does is strongly advised.  Because this type of tumor is

so common, all pet female rabbits should be spayed after 4 1/2

months of age to avoid difficulties with the reproductive tract

later in life.