Rabbits are usually neutered around four months of age. Castration involves removing the testes of a male rabbit, and spaying is the removal of the uterus and ovaries of a female. It is worth noting that sperm can reside in the genital tract for up to six weeks, so it’s best to keep your rabbit away from un-neutered females during this time. Rabbits are extremely social creatures; neutering helps pair or bond rabbits, making them much happier.
Rabbit neutering benefits:
- Eliminates prostatic and testicular cancer
- Helps owners to litter train rabbits
- Reduces aggressive behaviors, especially in males
- Eliminates womb infections in females
- Eliminates uterine cancer in females, the commonest cancer in rabbits
- No risk of unwanted pregnancies
- Reduces spraying
- Promotes successful bonding of rabbits
Should I let my rabbit have one litter before spaying her?
This happens to be a common question, and there are no known health benefits to letting your rabbit have a litter; this is also the same for dogs and cats.
General Anesthesia Before Rabbit Neutering
Your pet requires a general anesthetic for neutering; here at Alder Vets, we have measures in place to ensure their safety during the procedure. A dedicated Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) will monitor your rabbit throughout their surgery and recovery. Although rabbits are deemed to be a ‘high risk’ under anaesthesia, the health benefits alone far outweigh the risks; over the years, rabbit anaesthesia has become much safer. Risk levels of anaesthesia increase with a pet’s age, certain breeds, and if your pet has any underlying health conditions. Your pet will receive a premedication to relax them and will also receive two types of pain relief. Rest assured, the Alder Vets team will be with your pet every step of the way.
Your Rabbit Will Stay For the Day
On admission, we will discuss the procedure and go through the consent form. Please note we must gain a signature from the registered owner (over 18) or authorised agent on the consent form. Your dog, cat or rabbit will be admitted as a ‘day patient’, and they will be discharged later that day once our team is happy with how your pet has recovered. During your pet’s discharge appointment, the team will go through everything you need to know about caring for your pet after their surgery and their pain relief medication. Please bring your rabbit in a secure box or basket with a blanket that smells of home; we advise rabbits are brought along with their companions to reduce the stress of separation between a bonded pair. Bringing your rabbits' lunch is also preferable. We require rabbits to eat relatively quickly after a general anaesthetic; having their favourite foods on hand speeds up their recovery time so we can have your rabbit back home with you as soon as possible.
Contact Us About Rabbit Neutering
We are always at the end of the telephone for you and your pet, so please contact us if you have any further questions once you have your pet settled back at home. Call us on 01483 536036 if you need more information or have any further questions about rabbit neutering.
We are open 6 days a week in Guildford
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