• Forum/Server Upgrade If you are reading this you have made it to the upgraded forum. Posts made on the old forum after 26th October 2023 have not been transfered. Everything else should be here. If you find any issues please let us know.
  • Please Note - Medical Advice

    Please keep in mind that posts on this forum are from members of the public sharing personal opinions. It is not a replacement for qualified medical advice from a veterinarian. Many illnesses share similar symptoms but require different treatments. A medical exam is necessary for an accurate diagnosis, without which appropriate treatment cannot be given.

    You should always consult your vet before following any suggestions for medication or treatment you have read about. The wrong treatment could make your rabbit worse or mean your vet is unable to give the correct treatment because of drug interactions. Even non prescription drugs can do harm if given inappropriately.

    We are very grateful to members who take time to answer other members questions, but please do be clear in your replies that you are sharing personal experience and not giving instructions on what must be done.

    Urgent Medical Advice: If you need, or think you might need, urgent medical advice you should contact a vet. If it is out of working hours phone your vet's normal number and there should be an answer phone message with instructions on what to do.

Should I bring my rabbit to get sprayed

Nicole Mok

Young Bun
I've got a female rabbit, she is about 2.5 years old now. She had syphilis issue when I adopted her at 2 years old, so the vet suggested to just wait for few months to settle down her health problem before thinking about doing the spray operation. So now I'm thinking if I should bring her to get sprayed. However, I have some queries and concerns on the below:-

1) she has given birth before, does she really need the spray operation?
2) is she too old to get this operation?
3) I am really scared about the risk of the operation (I can't afford to lose her as I just lost a male rabbit due to accident and she has bonded with my other male rabbit very well)
4) Her health seems good now and it will be really upset to see her feeling pain during and after the operation when it's not 100% necessary.

Any comments and advices are welcome! Thank you.
 
Hello

I am sorry to hear that you recently lost a Rabbit :cry:

Spaying is certainly a good idea as long as the Doe is in over-all good health. Spaying protects Does from the very high risk of developing Uterine infections and cancer. Over 80% of entire Does will develop uterine cancer by the age of 5. Some even younger. Just because a Doe has had a litter of Kits will offer her no protection from future uterine problems, including cancer

http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/resources/content/leaflet_pdfs/neutering28.8.07.pdf

http://rabbit.org/tag/uterine-cancer/

http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/resources/content/info-sheets/uterine.htm

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/Miscellaneous/UterineAdenocarcinomaRabbit.htm

So I would first make sure that the Vet you consult is 'Rabbit Savvy', having a lot of experience in treating Rabbits and in carrying out surgical procedures. Then I would have a detailed discussion about spaying your Doe and the Vet should be able to offer you sound advice and reassurance.

I would not hesitate in having a 2.5 year old Doe spayed as long as she was healthy and that my Vet was 'Rabbit Savvy'

Good luck
 
I've got a female rabbit, she is about 2.5 years old now. She had syphilis issue when I adopted her at 2 years old, so the vet suggested to just wait for few months to settle down her health problem before thinking about doing the spray operation. So now I'm thinking if I should bring her to get sprayed. However, I have some queries and concerns on the below:-

1) she has given birth before, does she really need the spray operation?
2) is she too old to get this operation?
3) I am really scared about the risk of the operation (I can't afford to lose her as I just lost a male rabbit due to accident and she has bonded with my other male rabbit very well)
4) Her health seems good now and it will be really upset to see her feeling pain during and after the operation when it's not 100% necessary.

Any comments and advices are welcome! Thank you.

I think it's great that you're thinking of getting your little girl spayed. As well as protecting from the dreaded uterine cancer, it also helps hormones to subside and can make for a better relationship with you or any rabbit friend you may introduce her to in the future.

She will need to be spayed even though she has had kits before, and she is still quite young and healthy so it's a good time to do it now.

Be sure you find yourself a vet who is very confident with the procedure - not one who tells you that spaying a female rabbit is unnecessary!

It is 100% necessary, so please do consider seriously doing this for the sake of her ongoing health and well-being :thumb:
 
Hi all,

Thank you very much for the comments and advice, very helpful!

My vet is actually a rabbit specialist and she has very much experiences. She did the castration for my 2 male rabbits before and they were good! However, it's just that I read many information about getting sprayed on female rabbits is more complicated, hence I'm concerned...

I've already listed out the questions to ask her before making decision. I know 90% of people that I asked will advise me to get them sprayed, but think that only myself is too nervous about loosing her, hence I'm a bit hesitated...

When I lost my rabbit few months ago, I actually got a bit of depression, so every time I make decision I'll be overstrained...:cry:
 
Hi all,

Thank you very much for the comments and advice, very helpful!

My vet is actually a rabbit specialist and she has very much experiences. She did the castration for my 2 male rabbits before and they were good! However, it's just that I read many information about getting sprayed on female rabbits is more complicated, hence I'm concerned...

I've already listed out the questions to ask her before making decision. I know 90% of people that I asked will advise me to get them sprayed, but think that only myself is too nervous about loosing her, hence I'm a bit hesitated...

When I lost my rabbit few months ago, I actually got a bit of depression, so every time I make decision I'll be overstrained...:cry:

Your concern is very understandable. We are all very nervous of any surgical procedure on our loved little ones. We will be here and sending our best vibes to help the operation go well and speed her recovery. You won't be alone :wave:
 
Just to update that my rabbit has done the spay surgery 3 days ago. She is doing fine, can't see her feeling pain, even though I've got the pain relieve, but never used it. Her eating, she is not really interested in hay or nugget, but she never says no to kale, that's her favorite food as well. I tried to get her eat more hay, it works sometimes but not always. I also realize that she used to eat hays during 4-5am, so it's a good sign. Her poo size is comparatively smaller than usual, but better than nothing :D

However, got another slight problem with the bonding with her hubby. They used to be really good, together, but now seems like a little break down.... She is kind of avoiding her hubby to come close to her, not sure is it because of protecting of her wound... Trying to watch them very closely when they're in the same area. But during at night, I still need to saparate them in order to let her rest..
 
Just to update that my rabbit has done the spay surgery 3 days ago. She is doing fine, can't see her feeling pain, even though I've got the pain relieve, but never used it. Her eating, she is not really interested in hay or nugget, but she never says no to kale, that's her favorite food as well. I tried to get her eat more hay, it works sometimes but not always. I also realize that she used to eat hays during 4-5am, so it's a good sign. Her poo size is comparatively smaller than usual, but better than nothing :D

However, got another slight problem with the bonding with her hubby. They used to be really good, together, but now seems like a little break down.... She is kind of avoiding her hubby to come close to her, not sure is it because of protecting of her wound... Trying to watch them very closely when they're in the same area. But during at night, I still need to saparate them in order to let her rest..

It is only three days since her spay and no doubt she still has the scent of the vets on her fur, she will also be worried about her wound......and as you have quite rightly done IMO in these early days since her op, separated them, but can still see each other. Heaven forbid, that her would could be opened up by one way or another and internal damage be done. Be patient, be understanding, think like a rabbit , read up as much as possible and also use your knowledge abouth each of your bunnies personalities. Fingers crossed everything will work out.
 
Just to update that my rabbit has done the spay surgery 3 days ago. She is doing fine, can't see her feeling pain, even though I've got the pain relieve, but never used it. Her eating, she is not really interested in hay or nugget, but she never says no to kale, that's her favorite food as well. I tried to get her eat more hay, it works sometimes but not always. I also realize that she used to eat hays during 4-5am, so it's a good sign. Her poo size is comparatively smaller than usual, but better than nothing :D

However, got another slight problem with the bonding with her hubby. They used to be really good, together, but now seems like a little break down.... She is kind of avoiding her hubby to come close to her, not sure is it because of protecting of her wound... Trying to watch them very closely when they're in the same area. But during at night, I still need to saparate them in order to let her rest..

Good to hear the op went well and that she is eating. You will have to take care when she is with her husbun, so that she doesn't exert herself or get too stressed. Separating them where necessary is the best thing.

Does she have stitches that you can see, or are they 'internal' (i.e. not visible). If she has stitches you can see, please make sure she doesn't pick at them over the next few days.
 
It is only three days since her spay and no doubt she still has the scent of the vets on her fur, she will also be worried about her wound......and as you have quite rightly done IMO in these early days since her op, separated them, but can still see each other. Heaven forbid, that her would could be opened up by one way or another and internal damage be done. Be patient, be understanding, think like a rabbit , read up as much as possible and also use your knowledge abouth each of your bunnies personalities. Fingers crossed everything will work out.

Mrs B has given really good advice here. I think it may have been a good idea to give the pain relief prescribed by the Vet. Rabbits dont show pain in obvious ways, but not eating as much as normal/not eating at all is often due to pain. A spay is an invasive abdominal operation, so it is bound to be very sore. Imagine having a hysterectomy and no pain relief afterwards :shock:

If she is still only eating kale and not much else and you do decide to give the pain relief as prescribed by the Vet then I would give her a small syringe feed first. Her tummy will be quite empty and it will be better to be sure there is some food in it before giving the pain relief.
 
i'm glad the operation went well, but i would absolutely give the pain relief. as Jane said, rabbits hide pain but she is showing you by not eating as well that she is uncomfortable, a major operation like a spay is definitely painful.
 
Thank you everyone for the advices! She seems more active today, even wants to jump out of the cage and she eats more hays, pooed a lot too 😄. I think I cannot spoil her on putting too much kale, so she cannot selectively choose what she wants to eat. Today, she did eat more hays. I will also monitor if a pain relieve is necessary, as the vet says only when needed, that's why I watch out her behavior to make decision.

She is reacting better to her hubby, he grooms her with no rejection. However, sometimes her hubby would gone crazy chasing her at the back and I have to stop him, as I can see she's stressed.. .. I really don't know what he's thinking.... Sometimes good, sometimes bad!!! 😔
 
Just to update that my rabbit has done the spay surgery 3 days ago. She is doing fine, can't see her feeling pain, even though I've got the pain relieve, but never used it. Her eating, she is not really interested in hay or nugget, but she never says no to kale, that's her favorite food as well. I tried to get her eat more hay, it works sometimes but not always. I also realize that she used to eat hays during 4-5am, so it's a good sign. Her poo size is comparatively smaller than usual, but better than nothing :D

However, got another slight problem with the bonding with her hubby. They used to be really good, together, but now seems like a little break down.... She is kind of avoiding her hubby to come close to her, not sure is it because of protecting of her wound... Trying to watch them very closely when they're in the same area. But during at night, I still need to saparate them in order to let her rest..
I am so glad you decided to have your precious pet spayed. Unlike you, I let my fear delay an operation and my beloved pet had to have a more complicated emergency surgery to remove huge growths that grew in her uterus.
Even through she does not appear to be in pain, her not eating may be a sign that she has some discomfort which may be worse when she eats certain foods. Given that it is only three days, you may want to try giving her the pain medicine the vet prescribed.
 
I am so glad you decided to have your precious pet spayed. Unlike you, I let my fear delay an operation and my beloved pet had to have a more complicated emergency surgery to remove huge growths that grew in her uterus.
Even through she does not appear to be in pain, her not eating may be a sign that she has some discomfort which may be worse when she eats certain foods. Given that it is only three days, you may want to try giving her the pain medicine the vet prescribed.

Oh.. So how is your rabbit now? This is very understandable the fear would delay your decision. I did too, as I lost my other one last year and I couldn't afford to lose another one. Unfortunately this is the decision we have to make and need to take the risk.

I just took her to the vet for checking up and the vet said she is absolutely fine, just some bruises on her tummy. She advised that a separation from Her hubby is still necessary, for at least another week.

I think the rebonding is another challenge for me... After work today, I tried to let them out in their playground together, but less than a minute her hubby started chasing her again and scared her away... She is now hiding in her hubby's cage and I think it's a good idea to let the husband stays in her cage for awhile as well, so it will swap each other scent in order for them to get used to. Any other comments?
 
Oh.. So how is your rabbit now? This is very understandable the fear would delay your decision. I did too, as I lost my other one last year and I couldn't afford to lose another one. Unfortunately this is the decision we have to make and need to take the risk.

I just took her to the vet for checking up and the vet said she is absolutely fine, just some bruises on her tummy. She advised that a separation from Her hubby is still necessary, for at least another week.

I think the rebonding is another challenge for me... After work today, I tried to let them out in their playground together, but less than a minute her hubby started chasing her again and scared her away... She is now hiding in her hubby's cage and I think it's a good idea to let the husband stays in her cage for awhile as well, so it will swap each other scent in order for them to get used to. Any other comments?

She lasted for over 3 years and she also developed another form of cancer, unrelated to the first one, and had two more surgeries before she developed a head tilt for the second time in her life around the time she turned 13 years old, but this time it did not go away with treatment and she also became disabled. I kept her comfortable for several months until I lost her last week. I lost a 12.5 year old male dwarf right after Christmas and a 13.5 year old male dwarf in June. I still have the littermate of the bunny I lost in June and he is now 14 years old, but not as hoppy as he was a year ago. I also got a 1.5 year old girl in August. I put off having her spayed when I got her because I had just lost the little male. Now I wish I had it done then because it is even harder now that I am attached and I just lost two more pets. She put on a little extra weight from living the good life, and have her on mainly hay with some pellets for treats so she will be in good shape to have the surgery once the weather gets a little warmer. After seeing what happened to my other female, I know I cannot put off her spay much longer.

Is his cage in the playground area, so they can still give each other nudges, but no rough play. Perhaps if you put her in a cage or carrier in the center of the playgound he would run circles around her while she was safe from any rough play. It could make him/her absolutely crazy, or they may enjoy sitting and talking to his mate. While I would not want to see her chased and running around like a lunatic so soon after surgery, some light exercise will help her to keep eating and pooping while she heals.
 
I'm sorry for your lost! I can imagine how difficult it was for you to get over the lost... But for sure you will make a right decision to get your girl spayed. As most of the people say as long as they are healthy there shouldn't be any problem with the surgery. Mine is over two years old and she recovers really well. Just make sure you find a vet who is a specialist to rabbit, not general vet. Just curious, why need to wait when the weather is warmer to get the spay done? Is there a difference?

Their playground is actually a whole bedroom on the second floor with no furniture at all, only got their toys and tunnel. So when I let them out from the cage, they just run up to the second floor and the bedroom door is always open whenver they want to go back downstairs to their cage. Tonight I just removed all their hiding area, so the room is completely empty, then I watch them closely. The husband looks like very excited, jumping, twisting in front of his wife, but at the same what he did was scaring her, so she keeps runningaway from him. After 10 mins I let her back to her cage as I can see she is still stressed.... <sigh>....
 
I'm sorry for your lost! I can imagine how difficult it was for you to get over the lost... But for sure you will make a right decision to get your girl spayed. As most of the people say as long as they are healthy there shouldn't be any problem with the surgery. Mine is over two years old and she recovers really well. Just make sure you find a vet who is a specialist to rabbit, not general vet. Just curious, why need to wait when the weather is warmer to get the spay done? Is there a difference?

Their playground is actually a whole bedroom on the second floor with no furniture at all, only got their toys and tunnel. So when I let them out from the cage, they just run up to the second floor and the bedroom door is always open whenver they want to go back downstairs to their cage. Tonight I just removed all their hiding area, so the room is completely empty, then I watch them closely. The husband looks like very excited, jumping, twisting in front of his wife, but at the same what he did was scaring her, so she keeps runningaway from him. After 10 mins I let her back to her cage as I can see she is still stressed.... <sigh>....

Your bunnies are living in heaven! When I first had bunnies I had a spare, close to empty, bedroom just for them, now every room is in use, so they have to share their space with us humans.

You are right, I could have the spay done now instead of waiting until Spring, but she needs to lose some weight (I could stand to lose some myself!) and I need time to recover from my three recent losses (I also lost the littlermate of my male dwarf in June). The weather where I live is very cold at this time of year and she is an indoor bunny, so I am concerned, perhaps overly concerned, about taking her home after the surgery in the cold.
 
I understand your concern about the cold weather, may be best to check with your vet for the advices and ask as many questions as possible.

Oh.. And I forgot to mention.. After my vet has finished the surgery, she called me and checked if I was aware of my girls has pink / red urine, and I said no. She asked because she found this during the operation and she suspects that my girl could have a tumor... I was so scared when she said that, but then she said I brought her to get the spay done in good time as the womb has already removed during the operation, even though there was a tumor, this has also been removed together. Otherwise, I won't be able to discover the risk of developing the cancer until she gets worst...
 
I understand your concern about the cold weather, may be best to check with your vet for the advices and ask as many questions as possible.

Oh.. And I forgot to mention.. After my vet has finished the surgery, she called me and checked if I was aware of my girls has pink / red urine, and I said no. She asked because she found this during the operation and she suspects that my girl could have a tumor... I was so scared when she said that, but then she said I brought her to get the spay done in good time as the womb has already removed during the operation, even though there was a tumor, this has also been removed together. Otherwise, I won't be able to discover the risk of developing the cancer until she gets worst...

You absolutely did the right thing for her :) So pleased!
 
Thank you for your suggestion. I'll bet you are glad you had the spay done before your girl needed a more extensive emergency procedure for her growth. I have no doubt she will live a long life with your excellent care.
 
Back
Top