Anorectal papilloma

Anorectal papillomas are sometimes found in rabbits. They appear as small, cauliflower like tumors and bleed easily. They may be seen protruding from the anus of the rabbit, or the rabbit may be completely absent of any clinical signs.

Any breed, age or either sex may be affected. The same is true for neutered and entire rabbits. It is not known if there is any genetic predisposition.

Rabbits may attempt to groom or bite around their back end or seem irritated by something in that area. Often there may be no clinical signs, except for part of the tumor protruding from the anus, which may pop in and out. Some blood may also be seen in the rabbit’s enclosure, or around their tail and back legs, but the rabbit may lick themselves clean, so this may not be obvious.

Anorectal papillomas are benign and therefore are not dangerous or life-threatening, and nor will they spread to other areas of the body.

If your rabbit is showing any clinical signs, such as bleeding from their anus, irritation around the anus, you notice a mass protruding from your rabbit’s anus, or you are concerned in anyway, then you should consult your veterinarian and be guided by their advice.

If your rabbit is not showing any clinical signs, often the papilloma will resolve on their own over time. However, if your rabbit is bleeding or irritated by them, or they have grown to a significant size then surgery may be required to remove the papilloma. This involves a general anesthetic to surgically cut away the tumor, ensuring the base of the tumor is removed, so it does not reoccur.

Yes. These tumors are not malignant, so will not spread to other areas of the body. If your rabbit doesn’t have clinical signs and surgery is not indicated, then it should resolve on its own, over time. If surgery is needed, as long as the base is removed then it should not reoccur. All general anesthetics carry a small degree of risk, but rabbit anesthesia is far safer than it was just a few years ago, and this should not put you off allowing your veterinarian to operate on your rabbit.