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To spay, or not to spay?

R

Rosie&Chris

New Kit
Hello!

We recently adopted Daisy, as her owner (the manager of our vets) felt she needed to live with other bunnies :thumb: She has happily settled into the wendy house with Max and Honey (who are both neutered).

However, Daisy is not neutered. I understand spaying eliminates the risk of uterine cancer, which is common:

"80% of female rabbits get uterine cancer"
"4% of does had uterine cancer age 2-3 years of age, rising to 80% at 5-6 years."

My only concern is Daisy's age. She is 7 years old, so getting on a bit (although all the books I have read give different lifespans for Rex's!). Do older bunnies cope OK with GA?
 
PS. Forgot to mention, she is not vaccinated either. Not very good, a bunny not neutered or vaccinated, coming from the manager of a vet practice! I am assuming it would be a good idea to vaccinate a few weeks either side of the spay?
 
I would definitely get her vaccinated, personally I wouldn't spay at 7 especially as she is getting along with her friends but it is up to you. I would be too scared.
 
I would do both personally ;)

I feel the older they get the more of a risk the uterine cancer becomes so yes if she is fit and well otherwise I woild be booking her in. All hormones will have died down before the spring madness then
 
If she is healthy then I would do it as soon as I could :) I have a sneezy dental bun and I had her spayed at 4 years old. I was scared because she wasn't in tip top condition but she never will be! But she is so much better now. I don't have to worry about uterine cancer and she isn't trying to hump everything :lol: which is what I would be worried about, if she started getting humpy with her neutered friends it may spark a fight.

I would vaccinate first :wave: then 2 weeks after vaccination (I think) it's okay to spay:p
 
Definitely get the vaccinations done ASAP. As for the neuter it's probably best to consult an experienced vet on her general condition.
 
I personally don't think I would spay at 7. I would worry about how her body would cope with the surgery, and I'd be especially worried about re-establishing the friendship she has built with your other two. It may not be a popular opinion but I would be happy to let her continue the way she is, giving her some TLC and be ready to get her seen quickly if anything is wrong.
 
Personally I wouldn't generally spay at 7 years old, but it would depend on the rabbit.

Vaccinations are a definate "yes" provided she is fit and healthy. The new combined vacc would benefit her, as she'll get good immunity from the VHD since she's not had the previous version.
 
Hi Rosie :wave:

I think I probably would get her spayed, but do what has been suggested and get a good vet to give her an MOT so you can be confident she is in good health first.
 
Thank you all for your advice. I am taking Daisy for her vaccinations next week, and she will be having the new combined vaccination as that what my others have too. As for the neuter, I will speak to the vet about the risks and benefits. Will let you know the verdict!
 
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