Uterine cancer

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. 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.
 * Safe Haven Rabbit Rescue, Inc. (2020). Hope's Story
 * The Bunny Burrow Rabbit Rescue. (2019). Midna's story
 * ‎Debbi Braunschweiger‎. (2019). Charlotte's story
 * Bunny Bun Hub. (2019). Uterine cancer detection
 * Angie Bell. (2019). Pictures of uterine cancer (Graphic)
 * Facebook. (2016). Sweetie's Journey, Stories about other rabbits that had/have uterine cancer
 * u/Minniebunny. (2014). Miss Celie will live to be an old bunny, thanks to the /r/rabbits community (more in comments).
 * NYDesi80. (2011). Uterine Cancer ... Worried and Need some Advice
 * Rachel Cama-Lekx. (2006). Eve's Story: The Consequences of Not Spaying
 * Miriam's Bunnies. (2000). Onyx's Story