Neutering
Neutering is a routine operation that should be a priority for all rabbit owners.
If left un-neutered a rabbit has the potential to produce a litter, which if unplanned can become problematic as they can get pregnant again almost as soon as they have given birth, so there may soon be many more babies on the way. Rabbits are sexually mature from four months old, so they need to be correctly sexed and split from the opposite gender from a very young age until they have been neutered.
Not only does neutering prevent unwanted litters, but there are also many other health benefits:
- Neutering lowers a rabbit’s risk of cancer. There is an 80% chance that an un-neutered female rabbit over the age of five will develop uterine cancer, and if left untreated the cancer can spread outside of the uterus and cause secondary cancers.
- When trying to bond rabbits the recommendation is to pair a neutered male and neutered female together. This is because bonding with a neutered rabbit of the opposite gender is most likely to succeed. Obviously, it depends on the rabbits themselves and whether they have clashing personalities, however neutered rabbits have less hormones and urges that may otherwise influence their behaviour.
- There is less chance of injury from fighting. Although any pairing of rabbits can fight if not bonded correctly, there is a higher likelihood that unneutered rabbits may fight due to territory and hormones especially if they can smell an unneutered female.
- It can also help stop unwanted behaviours such as urine spraying and other ways of scent marking. This again can be due to being territorial and hormones.
Microchipping
Microchipping is very important to help pets who have strayed be reunited with their owners.
It works by having a 15-digit number that is unique to your pet. If a lost pet is found and taken to a vet or rescue centre, they will be scanned for a microchip and when the number pops up on the scanner the vet/rescue can look on the database and find the owner’s details. It is important you keep these details up to date so you can be contacted in the event your pet goes missing.
Microchipping is a very simple and non-invasive procedure. It is very similar to having an injection so can be done quickly at any time, or you can ask for it to be done while your pet under anaesthetic for another procedure i.e. neutering.
Tips when taking your rabbit to the vets
A trip to the vets can be a stressful time for your pet, especially rabbits and other small animals, and particularly if it involves a long journey. We have some stress-minimising tips to help you and your rabbit cope with a visit to the vets.
- Cover carrier with a towel – they may be frightened by what is going on outside their carrier (cats and dogs in the waiting room, fast moving scenery when in a car etc) so covering their carrier will help them feel safer and less stressed.
- Provide hay and treats – eating can be a good distraction.
- Spray Pet Remedy or other calming sprays on their bedding.
- Make sure the car is the right temperature – it is important that on a hot day you are providing adequate cooling for your rabbits in the form of open windows, air conditioning or a cooling mat in the carrier.
Post op care
Post operative care is very important for rabbits. It is crucial that you keep an eye on their behaviour, appetite and the surgical site after an operation.
- Behaviour – you will need to keep an eye on the way they are behaving as they may give subtle signs that they are not comfortable. This can include keeping their eyes shut, being more withdrawn, licking the wound area, and not eating.
- Appetite – it is imperative that you keep an eye on their hay, veg and pellet intake as stopping eating can be a sign of gut stasis which can make them very poorly. You may need to syringe feed them if this is the case.
- Surgical site – you will need to keep a close eye on this as the operation site may become swollen and irritated. If this is the case, they may lick at it which can result in further injury and infection, and you may need to ask your vet for a cone or vet shirt. It is recommended that you check the area more often if they are wearing a vet shirt as it can get soiled and must be cleaned more regularly.
- When being discharged from the vets you will be given information on what to look out for, you will also be given medication such as an anti-inflammatory to help with the pain and swelling.
- The vets will usually want to see the animal two days after an operation and then again after 7 to 10 days just to check everything is healing properly.
Here is a handy guide to getting a rabbit
Better Bunnies Programme
