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Published on: August 14, 2016
Spontaneous neoplasms of lagomorphs
J Jill Heatley1, Annette N Smith
1Zoological Medicine & Oncology Services, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1350 Raptor Road, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA. heatjj@vetmed.auburn.edu
Abstract:
Many of the same neoplastic processes reported in companion animal medicine have been documented in lagomorphs. With only a few reports in the literature regarding rabbits and hares, the behavior of many of these tumors cannot be predicted. Further, based on limited current knowledge, the practitioner is left to make decisions for diagnostics and therapeutics in these cases based upon current recommendations for companion animals with adjustments for lagomorph physiology. We hope that this review of lagomorph neoplasia will inform the general practitioner of the occurrence of these tumors, promote further documentation and research of these processes in rabbits, and encourage the practitioner of rabbit medicine along with rabbit owners to consult with veterinary oncologists regarding neoplastic processes in rabbits rather than just giving a guarded prognosis.

