Four Cases of Melanoma in Rabbits

Abstract

There are few reports of melanomas in rabbits. Here we report four cases of melanoma in rabbits. Case 1: a rabbit with a malignant melanoma on the ear pinna underwent a surgical operation for tumor fragmentation. It died from general causes such as loss of appetite on the 1521st postoperative day. Case 2: a rabbit with a dermal melanoma on the ear pinna is still in good condition without recurrence after 955 days until now. Case 3: a rabbit with a malignant melanoma on the eyelid underwent surgery to remove the tumor. As metastasis was found on the site which seemed to be the mandibular lymph node, this lesion was removed surgically 979 days after the first surgery. The rabbit died on day 993. Case 4: a rabbit with a malignant melanoma on the nose bridge underwent a surgical operation to remove the lesion. On day 175, the rabbit showed aggravation of the respiratory system. The pet owner, who desired no further medical examination, took the rabbit home and kept it in a rental oxygen room installed in the owner’s house, until the rabbit died on day 367.