Rabbit Neutering

Neutering your rabbit is beneficial for you and your pet, unless you are planning to breed them. However, breeding is not recommended by 3 Bunnies Rabbit Rescue for a number of reasons, such as overpopulation of rabbits, difficulty in finding homes and the high risk for females of developing ovarian or uterine cancer by the time they are three years old.

  1. Benefits

    • There are many benefits from having your rabbit neutered. The most obvious benefit is the prevention of unwanted breeding. According to the House Rabbit Society, neutered rabbits live longer and are usually healthier. It eliminates the possibility of reproductive cancers for female rabbits and makes litter training easier for both females and males. In addition, 3 Bunnies Rabbit Rescue indicates that males mark their territory by spraying if they are not neutered. Neutering reduces the risk of urinary tract infections and testicular cancer. Neutering makes rabbits calmer and prevents behavioral problems such as fighting, chewing and digging.

    Age

    • According to the House Rabbit Society, female rabbits should be spayed around four to six months old. Males should be neutered between three and a half to five months old, or as soon as the testicles have descended. Usually rabbits over six years old should not be neutered because of the risks of the surgery and anesthetics.

    Pre/Post Surgery

    • The House Rabbit Society recommends giving acidophilus to your rabbit for a few days prior to his surgery to ensure that his digestive system is working properly. Continue the acidophilus following the surgery until his appetite is back to normal. Examine the incision twice daily to check for signs of infection. If there are indications of infection, see your veterinarian right away. In addition, a female may pull her stitches out, which requires an immediate trip to the vet. Keep your rabbit in a quiet place to encourage rest. Males and females should be separated. By the next morning, he should begin eating.

    Cost

    • According to the House Rabbit Society, the cost for neutering varies throughout the United States. As of 2010, it can be anywhere from $50 to $75 in neuter and spay clinics to several hundred dollars for veterinarians in large cities.

    Considerations

    • The House Rabbit Society indicates that neutering is very safe and low-risk, provided it is performed by a veterinarian who is experienced with rabbits. The veterinarian should remove the ovaries and the uterus. The surgery for a male should be through the scrotum as opposed to through the abdomen. It is not necessary to withhold food and water before the surgery.