As a rabbit owner, it’s only natural that you want to give your fluffy friend the very best care throughout their life. Rabbits make wonderful companions — they are intelligent, affectionate, and full of personality. But just like any other pet, they’re prone to certain health conditions, some of which can be serious if left untreated. One condition that can sadly affect unspayed female rabbits is uterine cancer, also known as uterine adenocarcinoma.
Uterine tumours are a common condition seen in general practice, and it can be heartbreaking — especially when early signs have gone unnoticed. But the good news is that with the right information, support, and timely action, this disease is largely preventable. In this guide, we’ll explore what uterine cancer is, why it happens, how to spot the signs early, and what treatment options are available if your rabbit is affected.
Whether you’re here out of curiosity or concern, you’re already doing the right thing by learning more. Let’s dive in and help you give your rabbit the healthiest, happiest life possible.
What are uterine tumours?
The uterus, or womb, is the part of a female rabbit’s reproductive system where kits (baby rabbits) grow during pregnancy. Unfortunately, this structure is also highly prone to developing cancer — this occurs in rabbits that haven’t been neutered.
The most common type is called uterine adenocarcinoma. This is a malignant tumour that arises from the glandular lining of the uterus. It tends to grow slowly at first, but if left unchecked, it can spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs, liver, and even the bones.
Uterine adenocarcinoma is, sadly, extremely common in older unspayed rabbits. In fact, some studies estimate that as many as 60–80% of female rabbits over the age of four will develop this cancer if they haven’t been spayed. It’s one of the leading reasons why we advocate for the early neutering of pet rabbits.
Which rabbits are at risk?
Any unspayed female rabbit is at risk of developing uterine cancer. The risk increases significantly with age, with most cases developing after the age of 3–4 years. That said, tumours have been reported in younger rabbits too — so age isn’t a guarantee of safety.
Certain breeds may be slightly more predisposed, although this condition can affect any breed or crossbreed. Once a rabbit is spayed (neutered), the risk of uterine cancer is completely eliminated, as the uterus and ovaries are removed during the procedure. This makes preventative spaying one of the most important decisions you can make for your rabbit’s long-term health.
What are the signs of uterine cancer in rabbits?
One of the biggest challenges with this disease is that it can be very difficult to spot in the early stages. Rabbits are prey animals, and as such, they are experts at hiding signs of illness until things are quite advanced. That’s why it’s so important to be vigilant and to schedule regular vet check-ups.
Here are some of the more common signs that could indicate a uterine tumour:
- Blood in the urine (haematuria) – often mistaken for red pigment from food (like beetroot or dandelion) or urinary tract disease
- Vulval discharge – may appear as blood-stained fluid or cloudy discharge around the genital area
- Behaviour changes – such as aggression, irritability, or reduced grooming
- Reduced fertility or difficulty conceiving in breeding animals
- Weight loss despite a normal appetite
- Lethargy or a general lack of interest in usual activities
- Palpable mass in the abdomen – your vet might detect this during an exam
- Laboured breathing or coughing – if the cancer has spread to the lungs
- Poor coat condition or subtle signs like sitting in a hunched posture
If you spot any of these signs — or if something just doesn’t seem right — it’s always worth getting your rabbit checked by a vet. Acting early can make a huge difference.
How is uterine cancer diagnosed?
If your vet suspects uterine cancer in your rabbit, they’ll perform a full physical examination and may recommend several diagnostic tests to confirm what’s going on:
- Abdominal palpation – feeling for abnormal shapes or lumps in the abdomen
- Ultrasound scan – a key tool for visualising the uterus and spotting thickening, fluid, or masses
- X-rays – helpful in assessing whether the tumour has spread to other areas like the lungs
- Blood tests – to check your rabbit’s overall health, they can be used to assess things like organ function and red/white cell counts
- Histopathology – this involves microscopic examination of tissue samples to detect and study any disease present. It’s an important diagnostic tool used by vets to investigate the cause of abnormalities. It is especially useful when a definitive diagnosis can’t be made based on clinical signs, imaging, or routine lab tests alone. In some cases, a firm diagnosis is only made after the uterus is surgically removed and examined under a microscope.
These tests are important to carry out as they not only confirm the presence of a tumour but also help your vet decide on the best course of treatment.
How is uterine cancer treated?
The mainstay of treatment for uterine cancer in rabbits is surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries – a procedure called an ovariohysterectomy (spay). If the tumour is detected early and hasn’t spread, most rabbits make an excellent recovery after surgery.
Here’s what treatment typically involves:
- Pre-operative work-up – including blood tests and imaging to assess fitness for anaesthesia
- General anaesthetic and abdominal surgery – performed by an experienced vet
- Pain management and supportive care – both during and after the procedure
- Histopathology of the uterus post-removal – to confirm the diagnosis and check margins
Sadly, options like chemotherapy and radiotherapy aren’t routinely used in rabbits. There’s limited data on how well they tolerate these treatments, and many owners opt for surgery and supportive care instead.
If the cancer has already spread to vital organs like the lungs or liver, the outlook is much more guarded. In these cases, palliative care may be the most compassionate option.
What is the prognosis for rabbits with uterine tumours?
If caught early and treated promptly, the prognosis for uterine cancer in rabbits can be good. Many rabbits go on to live full, happy lives after surgery. However, the outcome depends on:
- How early the tumour is diagnosed
- Whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body
- The rabbit’s overall health at the time of treatment
This is why we always recommend spaying before problems occur. Preventative care really is the best medicine.
How can I prevent uterine cancer in my rabbit?
The most effective way to protect your rabbit is to have them spayed at a young age. It is usually recommended to neuter around 4–6 months old, depending on the individual rabbit’s breed and size.
Benefits of spaying include:
- Completely eliminating the risk of uterine cancer
- Reducing the risk of other reproductive diseases, like pyometra (infection in the uterus) and ovarian cysts
- Preventing unwanted pregnancies
- Calmer, more balanced behaviour in many rabbits
Spaying is a routine procedure in most veterinary practices. While no surgery is entirely risk-free, the benefits of neutering far outweigh the risks for the vast majority of rabbits.
In addition to neutering, routine health checks (ideally every 6–12 months) are essential for spotting any signs of illness early. Your vet may also advise blood tests or other diagnostics in older rabbits as part of a proactive health plan.
Caring for your rabbit after uterine surgery
Recovery after spaying or tumour removal is usually smooth, especially with good post-operative care. Here’s what to expect:
- Pain relief – this is essential for a comfortable recovery; always follow your vet’s instructions and use the correct prescribed dose.
- Encouraging eating – rabbits must eat frequently; tempt them with fresh herbs or your vet may give you some critical care feed that you can syringe if needed.
- Monitor the wound site – check daily for redness, swelling, or discharge
- Limit exercise – keep your rabbit in a quiet, confined space for the first few days
- Monitor faecal output – reduced droppings may indicate gut stasis and should be treated as a medical emergency.
- Follow-up visits – to check healing and discuss the pathology results if a tumour was removed
With a little TLC and the right care, most rabbits bounce back quickly and feel much better soon after surgery.
Final thoughts
Uterine cancer is sadly very common in unspayed female rabbits — but it’s also completely preventable. If you have an unneutered female rabbit, please speak to your vet about spaying. It’s one of the kindest, most protective things you can do for your rabbit’s long-term health and well-being.
If your rabbit is showing any of the signs mentioned above such as blood in the urine, vulval discharge, or behaviour changes don’t delay seeking help. The sooner your vet intervenes, the better the outcome.
And finally, if you ever feel unsure or concerned about your rabbit’s health, trust your instincts and contact your vet. Rabbits are subtle in their symptoms, but they rely on us to notice when something’s wrong.
Further Reading
Is rabbit neutering really safe?
Uterine disorders in 59 rabbits
Is it safe to neuter my rabbit?
Meredith, A., & Flecknell, P. (Eds.). (2006). BSAVA Manual of Rabbit Medicine and Surgery.
Discussion