Most male rabbits are territorial and frequently spray urine. They
may become agressive towards humans and other rabbits, this means they will
have to live alone, which is sad as they enjoy the company of other rabbits.
Neutered males are much happier and more relaxed. Nearly all neutered males will stop
spraying urine even if the operation is performed later in life. They will be less
aggressive and smelly.
Female rabbits
Having female rabbits neutered is very important. Most female rabbits become
territorial and can be aggressive towards people and other rabbits they live with.
This may include growling, scratching and biting. Spaying reduces and sometimes
eliminates these behavioural problems.
Medical reasons are important too - up to 80% of female rabbits that are not
neutered may develop uterine cancer by 5 years of age. They may also develop
pyometra (a womb infection) or have persistent false pregnacies. It is better to undergo
an operation when she is young and healthy than when she is ill.
At what age can my rabbit get neutered?
We recommend neutering males and females from around the age of 5 months old.
What is the procedure?
Your rabbit would be admitted on the morning of the operation (or the night
before if that is more suitable. This will also allow the rabbit to settle
with us over-night.). Food and drink are given normally up until the time of admittance.
A general anaesthetic is required for neutering. We also give painkillers, fluids and gut
motility drugs to help your rabbit recover post-operatively. Rabbits are normally allowed
to go home on the same day providing food has been eaten and urine and faeces have been passed.
Occasionally we like to keep them in overnight for monitoring. We have a separate rabbit ward
away from the dog and cat patients.
We normally like your rabbit to come back 2 days later for a check up. These days there are no
skin sutures to be removed but the wound still has to be examined. We need to see him or her
sooner if no food is eaten and little or no faeces have been passed.
What if I have more than one rabbit?
If you have 2 rabbits of the same sex living together, have them
neutered at the same time and keep them together. If you have a male and a female
it is best to keep them apart. Males can remain fertile for up to 4 weeks after neutering.
Females can be kept away from males for about 2 weeks after neutering. If you can, keep them
in adjacent cages and let them be together only if closely supervised.
Females are spayed
Males are castrated
for really good information about rabbits
click on the link to the rabbit welfare fund
