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Too old to spay or not?

A

alanthehermit

New Kit
Last year I inherited a pair of dwarf lop rabbits from my (ex)girlfriend, Sandy a neutered male 8 years old and Madge a female approx 5 years old, Madge hadn’t been spayed.
Sadly Sand died 3 weeks ago, I’m now looking to get Madge a new friend. She was vaccinated last week for Myxomatosis and will have her VHD jab next week.

The question is should I have her spayed?
I spoke to the vet and she said there’s more risk associated with operating on a rabbit of Madge’s age. I know the risk of cancer is high in unspayed does, But does this out way the risks of the operation.
 
I can only say what I would do given your situation. I would go for the spay. She is highly likely to get cancer which would potentially not leave her many years left now plus if you get her spayed the remaining time she has (which should be longer assuming the op goes ok) will be happy years spent with a husbun. I would only be torn if she was about 10 or 12. I think the risks with cancer and the fact that she will live out the rest of her years possibly quite lonely far outweigh the risks of the op.
 
alanthehermit said:
Last year I inherited a pair of dwarf lop rabbits from my (ex)girlfriend, Sandy a neutered male 8 years old and Madge a female approx 5 years old, Madge hadn’t been spayed.
Sadly Sand died 3 weeks ago, I’m now looking to get Madge a new friend. She was vaccinated last week for Myxomatosis and will have her VHD jab next week.

The question is should I have her spayed?
I spoke to the vet and she said there’s more risk associated with operating on a rabbit of Madge’s age. I know the risk of cancer is high in unspayed does, But does this out way the risks of the operation.
Click to expand...

I would agree. 5 years for a small/medium sized rabbit is not that old yet if they are healthy. I'd get her spayed to prevent uterine cancer.

Vera
 
I would get her speyed, i have a 7 year old medium sized bun speyed a few eyars ago due to a pyometra, she recovered well but it did take her a little longer than a younger bun.
 
I wouldn't think twice about getting a 5 year old neutered. I only start to worry once they get over 7 years but then the risks of a GA are usually outweighed by the chance of them getting uterine cancer so would still get it done if bun is healthy in other respects :)
 
My Holly was spayed at 5years & as far as the op went she was fine,but I was too late to prevent CA.She had an overy the size of a golf ball.Since then I had Will & B spayed as soon as old enough-I learnt my lesson.So yes in my opinion she is not to old to be spayed if the vet thinks there is no health risks to her.Do it,before its too late.
 
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