Females: preventing uterine cancer
By 4 to 5 years of age, more than half of unspayed female rabbits develop uterine adenocarcinoma. There are no early signs, and by the time it is found it has often spread to the lungs. Spaying at 4 to 6 months prevents it entirely, and also reduces false pregnancies, fur-pulling, nest building and aggression.
Males: behaviour and bonding
Males start spraying, mounting and fighting at about 3 to 4 months. Behaviour improves within a few weeks of neutering, and neutered rabbits bond far more easily. A male can still get a female pregnant for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, so keep them apart.
How rabbits differ from cats and dogs
- Rabbits are more sensitive to anaesthesia, so we use a rabbit-specific protocol and monitor temperature and breathing throughout.
- Rabbits must not be fasted. Feed hay and water as usual before surgery; a rabbit's gut becomes dangerous after only a few hours without food.
- After surgery the priority is eating again quickly. If your rabbit has not eaten hay or passed droppings within 8 hours of coming home, contact us.
Aftercare
- Unlimited hay, the usual greens and water; a herbivore recovery formula can be syringe-fed if needed.
- Quiet, warm, minimal handling; paper towel instead of loose bedding for a few days.
- Rabbits usually do not wear a collar; check the wound twice a day instead, and only use a collar if the rabbit keeps chewing the site.
- Give all the pain relief prescribed: pain stops rabbits eating.
Call 2126 7440 immediately if there is no eating or droppings for 8 hours, a hard swollen belly, hunching and tooth grinding, or the wound opens. Do not wait until morning.
When to book
From 4 to 6 months of age and over 1 kg. Older rabbits can be neutered after a health check and, where appropriate, blood tests.