Uterine cancer

Uterine cancer, also known as uterine or endometrial adenocarcinoma or 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. 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 cancer in rabbits.
 * Great Western Exotic Vets, May 2011 - Uterine Adenocarcinoma in a Rabbit
 * Miriam's Bunnies, Onyx's Story
 * Rachel Cama-Lekx, Eve's Story: The Consequences of Not Spaying
 * RabbitsOnline, Uterine Cancer ... Worried and Need some Advice