Lump after Myxi/VHD vaccine- please help!

Hi!

I've had my bunny Rupert for three weeks, and had him vaccinated with the Myxi/VHD combo jab on 4th Feb- so exactly two weeks ago. He's 8 months old and has never had the vaccine before.
I noticed a couple of nights ago that he has a hard round lump on the back of his neck, slightly towards the left shoulder blade, more or less where he had his injection I think. It doesn't seem to be causing him any bother.

I've taken him back to the vets and they tried to take samples, but couldn't get enough cells to show under a microscope. They've suggested I could have them remove the lump surgically, but I wonder if the lump could be a reaction to the vaccine? Has any one else had this issue? The vet doesn't seem to really know definitively what the problem is, and I don't want to put the poor bun through an operation if he doesn't need it, if the lump will go in a few days/weeks? On the other hand, if it is something nasty, I don't want to waste time waiting to see if it will improve and have it get worse?

My two other bunnies have had the same jab every year for the last 5 years and have never had a reaction, so this is something I've never come across before. I've read that small lumps can appear after the jab, but it has been two weeks since he had it.

If anyone could shed some light on this for me, and stop me worrying so much, i'd really really appreciate it!

This is the little fluffball in question:

I've not heard of it from the combined vaccine but it was quite common with previous vaccines. It may just be that the syringe had some of the vaccine on the outside of the needle and it came in contact with the skin and caused a localised reaction that should go away on it's own.

Aaw he is a fluffball, and very cute!! As Stator said it should go on its own :wave:

Thanks, Tim.

I'm just worried it's something worse and keep changing my mind about what to do for the best! He's eating and drinking and binkying around like normal so seems fine in himself.
I'd really rather not have him go through an operation needlessly, and I'm not sure how well he'd be able to hop around afterwards if I did go ahead with it. Do you now how long roughly it would have taken to go away with the previous vaccine? I've been trawling the internet and can't seem to find a timescale.

Hi Pippa

There can be a reaction to the vaccine sometimes. Here is an extract from the manufacturer's data sheet:

"A small, non-painful swelling (maximum 2 cm diameter) at the injection site is commonly observed within the first two weeks after vaccination. The swelling will resolve completely by 3 weeks after vaccination".

I would certainly give it another week, and please don't worry.

PS ... You could also try educating your vet about this?

Thanks so much, that's put my mind at rest a little! I'll definitely give it another week I think. I'd much rather do that than risk a pointless operation.

I feel quite disappointed in my vets. They are very very nice people, but I chose them because they advertise themselves as being "rabbit savvy." So far, it's been a little bit disappointing. I've got him booked in for his neuter soon, but I think I might go elsewhere:?

PippaC said:

Thanks so much, that's put my mind at rest a little! I'll definitely give it another week I think. I'd much rather do that than risk a pointless operation.

I feel quite disappointed in my vets. They are very very nice people, but I chose them because they advertise themselves as being "rabbit savvy." So far, it's been a little bit disappointing. I've got him booked in for his neuter soon, but I think I might go elsewhere:?

Click to expand...

You know what, if they had never heard of a vaccine reaction, I would certainly consider trying a new vet for neutering.

You could post another thread in this Forum asking if anyone knows of a Rabbit Savvy vet in your area.

Good luck x

If he's due neutering at some point soonish then waiting and if it doesn't go away, having it removed at the same time as his neuter would save the extra anaesthetic.

Tamsin said:

If he's due neutering at some point soonish then waiting and if it doesn't go away, having it removed at the same time as his neuter would save the extra anaesthetic.

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Good advice from Tamsin. It may be that surgical removal of the 'lump' is not necessary. It could well resolve completely over the next few weeks. This is the vaccine data sheet and it gives details of possible side effects:

http://www.msd-animal-health.co.uk/Products_Public/nobivac-myxo-rhd/090_product_datasheet.aspx

If you are not 100% confident in the 'Rabbit Savviness' of your current Vet then I would try to find an alternative Practice to register with and book your Rabbit in for a Pre-Neuter consultation there. Then you can 'interview' the Vet to make sure that he/she makes the grade !!

Good luck xx

Hey!

So, Rupert's lump has reduced in size by about half- HOORAY! Currently enjoying bunny cuddles on the sofa and feeling very relieved. Thanks so much for all your advice xx

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He's a beauiful fuzzball Glad it's going

we just had a 5 month old vaccinated and our specialist exotics vet warned us in advance that there may be a lump.

if i were you i would look for a more rabbit savvy vet for the neuter

Did you ever resolve this?

I am having the same issue with my rabbit now. Did you ever resolve this? I don’t know whether to have this lump at the injection site removed ?

PippaC said:

Hi!

I've had my bunny Rupert for three weeks, and had him vaccinated with the Myxi/VHD combo jab on 4th Feb- so exactly two weeks ago. He's 8 months old and has never had the vaccine before.
I noticed a couple of nights ago that he has a hard round lump on the back of his neck, slightly towards the left shoulder blade, more or less where he had his injection I think. It doesn't seem to be causing him any bother.

I've taken him back to the vets and they tried to take samples, but couldn't get enough cells to show under a microscope. They've suggested I could have them remove the lump surgically, but I wonder if the lump could be a reaction to the vaccine? Has any one else had this issue? The vet doesn't seem to really know definitively what the problem is, and I don't want to put the poor bun through an operation if he doesn't need it, if the lump will go in a few days/weeks? On the other hand, if it is something nasty, I don't want to waste time waiting to see if it will improve and have it get worse?

My two other bunnies have had the same jab every year for the last 5 years and have never had a reaction, so this is something I've never come across before. I've read that small lumps can appear after the jab, but it has been two weeks since he had it.

If anyone could shed some light on this for me, and stop me worrying so much, i'd really really appreciate it!

This is the little fluffball in question:

Click to expand...

Jlamirande said:

I am having the same issue with my rabbit now. Did you ever resolve this? I don’t know whether to have this lump at the injection site removed ?

Click to expand...

This is a very old thread and the member who started it hasn't been online for a few years so you probably won't get a reply from them. :wave:

How long ago did your rabbit have the vaccination? A swelling afterwards can be normal, but should usually resolve itself after a few weeks.