1368. Follow up: The old rabbit with sarcoma above the left eyelid has 2 more lumps

April 15, 2013

Yesterday, the rabbit with sarcoma above the left eyelid was operated by Dr Daniel. "There may not be sufficient space to stitch after excision of the two lumps above the upper eyelid of the rabbit's left eye," he said. The lumps were growing fast and were 5 mm x 5 mm x 3 mm and the two ladies came early this time instead of "wait and see".

The first lump, diagnosed as a sarcoma by histology was 10 cm x 8 cm x 8 cm, in the front part of the upper eyelid. It was excised over one month ago. There seemed to be a recurrence as there was a sharp lump on the operation site. It turned out to be a bony prominence when Dr Daniel operated.

"If there is insufficent skin to stitch," I said. "Let the skin wound heal by granulation. It is better to excise a wide margin to get rid of the cancerous cells in the area."
This would be my approach. It is easier said than done.

As each vet has his or her own approach, much depends on the vet. Dr Daniel excised the two lumps and stitch up the skin wound. This time the two ladies seek veterinary surgery early but not early enough. I had told them to scrutinise for lumps daily. Apparently the first lump did not recur but only time will tell. The grey and white rabbit is 10 years old.

He had jaw abscesses (see my earlier case report somewhere in the blog) and now has fully recovered after drainage. The older baby-boomer generation would likely have abandoned this rabbit and euthanase it rather than spending money on surgeries.