Cutaneous malignant melanoma in a rabbit
A 4-year-old rabbit presented with a 3cm diameter skin mass on the neck. The referring vet aspirated the mass and submitted smears for cytology. Images of the cytology are shown.
![](https://www.cytopath.co.uk/images/general/_w300/371440-oil-100x-2.jpg)
![](https://www.cytopath.co.uk/images/general/_w300/371440-oil-100x-1.jpg)
Final diagnosis
Malignant melanoma
Discussion
Melanomas in the skin of rabbits are uncommon. In a retrospective study (von Bomhard et al., 2007), of 190 skin tumours in 179 pet rabbits, 8 were diagnosed as malignant melanomas. Metastasis to the internal viscera, including lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys is reported.
Reference
Von Bomhard et al. (2007). Cutaneous neoplasms in Pet Rabbits: A Retrospective Study. Vet Pathol 44:579-588.