Rabbit Shope Fibromas are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that can occur in small mammals, such as rabbits, hamsters, mice, rats, and guinea pigs. These tumors are typically found on and around the skin and hair follicles. They will appear as small bumps or nodules under the skin. Fibromas can also occur inside the body, such as in the lungs or liver.
Fibromas are usually not cancerous and don’t spread to other organs. They are also not contagious, but they can cause discomfort for the animal if they grow too large and press against their organs or their nerves. Fibromas can range in size from very small to quite large, and in some cases can be removed with surgery.
In some cases, fibromas may not require treatment. Small fibromas that are not causing any discomfort or harm can often be left alone and monitored for changes in size or shape. Larger fibromas can cause discomfort and pain for the animal and should be examined by a veterinarian to determine the best course of action.
Symptoms of Rabbit Shope Fibromas
The most common symptom of a Rabbit fibroma is an asymptomatic (without symptoms) bump or lump under their skin. This can be seen from the outside, and can be firm to the touch. Other symptoms can include:
- Difficulty breathing due to pressure on the lungs
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Poor coat condition
If your pet has any of these signs, it’s important to have them examined by a veterinarian.
Diagnosing Rabbit Shope Fibromas
Diagnosis of Rabbit fibromas typically involves physical examination and laboratory tests such as X-rays and ultrasound. It’s also important to rule out any other possible causes of the lump or bump, such as a tumor or infection. A biopsy might be performed to determine if the lump is a fibroma and whether or not it’s cancerous.
Stages of Rabbit Shope Fibromas
Fibromas can be split into four stages based on their size and location.
Stage 1
The fibroma is small (less than 5mm) and has not spread to other organs.
Stage 2
The fibroma is larger than 5mm but smaller than 1cm, and might have spread to nearby organs.
Stage 3
The fibroma is larger than 1 cm and might have spread to other organs.
Stage 4
The fibroma is large (more than 5cm) and has spread to other organs.
Treating Rabbit Shope Fibromas
Treating Rabbit fibromas depends on the size, location, and type of tumor. In some cases, the tumor can be surgically removed. If this is not an option, then medications will be prescribed to reduce inflammation or shrink the tumor. In some cases, radiation therapy could be recommended to shrink the tumor or slow its growth. If the tumor is in a location that makes surgery or other treatments difficult, then monitoring and regular check-ups will be recommended.
It’s important to note that fibromas are not contagious and can’t spread from one animal to another. If you have multiple Rabbits in your home, it’s important to keep a close eye on each one, because they can be more prone to developing fibromas. If you notice any changes in behavior or physical appearance of your pet that could be related to a tumor, always get medical attention from a qualified veterinarian.
Preventing Rabbit Shope Fibromas
There is no known way to prevent Rabbit fibromas from occurring. It’s important to maintain your pet’s overall health and feed them a healthy diet and give them plenty of exercise. It’s important to keep your pet up-to-date on their vaccinations, because this can help reduce the risk of developing certain types of tumors.