Desexing (neutering) your rabbits is essential for both males and females for many different reasons:
- It reduces aggressive behaviour
- It removes the risk of unwanted babies
- It makes toilet training a lot easier
Two un-desexed bunnies can rarely live in harmony and can be fatal. Growling, scratching, and biting are common traits in bunnies who haven't been desexed.
Desexing a female rabbit removes the chance of them developing life-threatening diseases like uterine diseases (cancer, endometriosis, etc) - this affects 80% of un-desexed female rabbits over 2 years of age. Desexing male rabbits removes the risk of testicular cancer.
Before booking in a any surgical procedure we must see your pet for a consultation. This is to ensure your pet is in perfect health for surgery and to also provide an opportunity to discuss the procedure and any concerns you may have for your pet.
Rabbit surgeries are more complex than other domestic pets and are therefore riskier. This is why you should make sure your vet is experienced and comfortable with rabbit surgery before you go ahead.
Why is there a variance in the spey procedure cost?
This is related to age, internally a young bunny between the age of 5-9 months is quite different to a mature bunny who is aged anywhere from 10 months and older (pending the breed). The procedure becomes more complex in a mature bunny which is why we encourage desexing under 12 months of age. This does not mean you should not desex your bunny who is older then 12 months. A vet will discuss this in more detail with you.
Desexing at The Rabbit Doctors
Desexing your rabbit may seem daunting. The Rabbit Doctors, do everything possible to make the surgical anesthetic and recovery is as smooth as possible.
Before your bunny has surgery - Pre-surgery consult
One of our vets will have a consultation with you. It is important to check your rabbit is healthy and well for surgery. They will then walk you through the procedure and will happily answer any questions and concerns you might have.
Day of the surgery - Drop off
You and your bunny will arrive at the clinic the morning of their procedure.
Your bunny should have food and water right up to their surgery- no fasting is required!
After their surgery - discharge & pick up
Your bunny will be ready for collection that same afternoon. When you come and collect them, you’ll be given full instructions on post-operative care and pain relief and any other special requirements your bunny might need.
One Week later - Post-op check
A week after your rabbit’s operation, you will have a post-op check. This is to make sure your bunny's wounds are healing properly. This appointment is free of charge and is often done with a nurse.
Your bunny will be a little quiet that evening but are usually back to their cheeky selves after 24-48 hours.