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If you’ve recently noticed that your rabbit has a lump under their skin, it could be an abscess, which is, unfortunately, quite common in domestic rabbits. An abscess can show up just about anywhere, including under the skin or in the mouth.
An abscess on a rabbit is usually a secondary sign of a health problem. This means how much you pay for treatment depends on the abscess and any other treatment that your bun might need. You can expect to pay $100-$150 for antibiotics, and if surgery is required, it might cost about $250 to $500
Let’s review the potential costs that you should anticipate if your rabbit develops an abscess.
The Importance of Treating an Abscess
All abscesses need treatment, and the sooner you have it treated, the better. Therefore, you should become familiar with the signs of an abscess in order to stay on top of potential problems.
Ensure that your rabbit is comfortable being handled; if your bun tends to be fearful, there are a few steps that you can take to make them more comfortable. As soon as you bring your rabbit home, you should regularly feel their body gently for any unusual lumps. This should include checking inside their mouth for lumps. If the abscess is a result of dental disease, for example, there will potentially be discharge from the eyes or nose, signs of depression, and a lack of appetite.
You should also become familiar with their behavior, so if they are acting differently, you’ll know that this could be an indication that something is wrong. Regular checkups with a rabbit-savvy vet will help you keep on top of your bun’s health.
How Much Does Abscess Treatment Cost?
It’s difficult to give exact numbers for the cost of treating your rabbit’s abscess, since there might be something else going on with their health.
One of the main causes of abscesses is food becoming lodged in the gums or teeth or fusobacterium nucleatum (a common oral bacteria).
The factors that impact the course of treatment are:
There are typically two kinds of treatments that you can expect for an abscess: antibiotics and surgery. Surgery is generally recommended if it’s a serious abscess that needs complete removal or it’s in a difficult location to access.
If your bun only needs antibiotics, this might run from $100 to $150. Treating a molar abscess can be an expensive surgery, costing up to $300. Generally speaking, if surgery is required, it might cost about $250 to $500, depending on the number of factors involved.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
Additional costs can include your rabbit staying overnight at the clinic if they need watching after surgery. This can cost you up to a thousand dollars, depending on how long they stay, as well as the treatment itself.
There’s also the possibility of X-rays, which can run into the hundreds, and medication for pain and antibiotics, which might also run into the hundreds.
Finally, if your rabbit has an underlying issue that caused the abscess, you’ll need to pay for the treatment of this condition.
How Can You Prevent an Abscess?
Abscesses can be prevented for some rabbits by providing them with good-quality hay and other high-fiber food. Also, do regular dental checks with your vet, who can trim their teeth when necessary to prevent overgrowth.
Giving your rabbit the right foods and paying attention to their teeth can help prevent dental disease and abscesses. Keep their habitat clean, particularly the floor, to avoid abscesses on their feet.
You must also ensure your rabbit’s safety by protecting them against other animals that might bite or scratch, which includes other rabbits. Punctures, scratches, and bites can lead to an abscess. Lastly, checking them for lumps once a week is the best way to get your bun treatment sooner rather than later if an abscess appears.
The sooner the abscess is looked after, the less likely that surgery will be necessary. That said, in some cases, surgery is the only option.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Abscess Treatment?
At the time of writing, Nationwide is the only U.S. pet insurance company that covers exotic pets like rabbits. It covers abscesses in rabbits and other issues, such as when your rabbit swallows something that they shouldn’t or is injured.
Subscribing to insurance is optional but could end up saving you a great deal of money. Bear in mind that pet insurance doesn’t cover any conditions that your rabbit currently has.
You’ll need to opt in for pet insurance while your rabbit is healthy. If your rabbit has recurring abscesses, they won’t be covered unless you get the insurance before the first one develops.
How Do You Care for an Abscess After Treatment?
If treatment is antibiotics, you’ll need to provide your rabbit with the medication at home as per your veterinarian’s instructions.
If your bun underwent surgery, you should restrict their activity until the area has healed. You’ll also need to take your rabbit in to see the vet regularly so they can oversee the wound and ensure that it’s healing well.
Conclusion
It’s unfortunate, but abscesses tend to be common in rabbits, and treatment has the potential to be expensive, especially if it’s been caused by another health condition that will also need treatment.
But if you’re diligent and check for abscesses on your rabbit regularly, you can get it treated before it becomes a complicated issue. This will make things more affordable for you and less painful for your bun.
Featured Image Credit: ElenaYakimova, Shutterstock
