If you have a pet rabbit, spaying (ovariohysterectomy) or neutering (orchidectomy) her—meaning surgically removing her ability to procreate—is one of the best ways to ensure that it will stay happy and healthy. Find out all the reasons why it’s important to spay or neuter your rabbit by reading the Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital of Louisiana article below.
Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Rabbit
Of course, no surgery comes without risk. But when it comes to spaying and neutering, the benefits are many, and the risks are minimal when done by a veterinarian experienced in rabbit anesthesia and surgery!
Perhaps the most obvious pleasure of this operation is that your rabbit does not have to go through the pain, risk of death, and tedious care of offspring.
Additionally, when a rabbit is spayed or neutered, the risk of mammary, uterine, and/or ovarian cancer in females or testicular cancer in males is eliminated. For example, intact (ie, unspayed) female rabbits have up to a 65 percent chance of developing uterine adenocarcinoma as an adult. This cancer can be life-threatening, so prevention by performing an ovariohysterectomy is very beneficial.
Additionally, spayed and neutered pets are generally more friendly and loving towards their owners and fellow animals. This is thought to be, at least in part, due to the fact that the rabbit’s altered hormonal response and deeply ingrained desire to procreate is removed.
What is the Right Age for a Rabbit to Be Spayed or Neutered?
If possible, rabbits should be spayed or neutered before behavioral concerns or problems have a chance to arise. So, your best chance at keeping your pet healthy is to have surgery when they are young. And, generally, when your rabbit is four – six months old (when the females have reached sexual maturity and the male’s testicles have descended), they can safely perform their surgery. However, your exotic vet may advise you to wait longer due to the rabbit’s breed, size, or health.
If you become a parent of a rabbit later in life, or have never considered spaying or neutering before your rabbit grows up, you’ll want to talk to your vet about the pros and cons of opera (in terms of survival, increased longevity, etc.). Note that older animals usually require more care before surgery. Pre-surgical bloodwork or x-rays may be necessary to assess your rabbit’s health status prior to the anesthetic and surgical procedure.
Questions to Ask Your Exotic Veterinarian
Once your rabbit has been approved for spaying or neutering surgery, there are a few questions you should ask your veterinarian to make sure they are appropriate and you are ready. These include:
- How long have you been treating rabbits?
- On average, how many rabbits does your office see each year?
- How many spay/neuter do you do on rabbits per year?
- What is your success rate?
- Should my rabbit fast before surgery?
- What are your anesthetic protocols?
- What precautions and supportive measures do you have before, during, and after surgery?
- Can you describe the operation to me?
- What is your post-operative plan?
What Happens During Surgery
Both spay and neuter surgeries will require your rabbit to be fully anesthetized. Once they are safely and successfully anesthetized, their vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate/effort, blood pressure, temperature, etc.) will be closely monitored.
Spay
A spay (ovariohysterectomy) is performed on female rabbits, and to perform that procedure, the veterinarian must shave the rabbit’s abdomen, disinfect the skin, and make an incision in the abdomen. Once the abdomen is opened, the uterus and ovaries are removed. To finish, several layers of stitches are used to close her abdomen and skin.
Neuter
A neuter (orchidectomy) is performed on male rabbits, and is usually a quicker procedure than a spay. To perform a successful neutering, a rabbit must be shaved from around the scrotal sac and penile area, their skin must be disinfected, and a surgical incision made to expose the right and left testicles. From there, the testes are tied and removed, and then the resulting incision is sutured close.
It is important to remember that males can store sperm in their bodies for up to three weeks after being neutered. They should be kept away from pregnant women during that time to avoid unwanted pregnancies.
Post-Op Considerations
Most rabbits recover well and without incident. It is good to watch them closely, monitor their cuts, and make sure they are eating and drinking. Remember, rabbits are prey animals, so they are wired to hide signs of their pain or discomfort. Because of this, you may not always be able to tell if they are in distress, so it is important for you to provide them with safe and comfortable environments to make their recovery as easy and efficient as possible. Contact your veterinary team if there are any post-operative concerns.
You should also remember that spaying and neutering is not always a quick fix when done to correct unwanted behaviors. For example, hormone levels may take a while to level out, so undesirable patterns may persist for some time after surgery. Just try to stay as positive and patient as possible.
Here are our Metairie, LA, Vets to Spay or Neuter Your Rabbit
Spaying and neutering rabbits has been proven to significantly improve their longevity, overall mood, connection with their owners, and many other aspects of life. However, all operations have risks, so you should consult your veterinarian to weigh them with all the positive benefits.
Spaying and neutering rabbits has been proven to significantly improve their longevity, overall mood, connection with their owners, and many other aspects of life. However, all surgery has risks, so you should consult your veterinarian to consult with them about the surgery and its benefits.
To schedule your rabbit’s exam, call the Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital of Louisiana at (504) 455-6386.
