Uterine Adenocarcinoma

What is it?

Uterine adenocarcinoma is a cancer of the uterus that becomes very common in unspayed female rabbits as they get older, often beginning around three to four years of age. Left untreated, it can spread to the lungs, liver, and other organs.

What signs should I watch for?

Signs to watch for include blood in the urine or bloody vaginal discharge, swollen mammary glands or cysts, enlarged belly, aggression or behavior changes, and weight loss and lethargy in later stages.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis uses a physical exam, ultrasound, and chest X-rays to check for spread. The main treatment is surgical spaying, which can be curative if the cancer hasn't spread.

Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook?

Spaying female rabbits while young and healthy virtually eliminates this risk and is strongly recommended for pet rabbits.