Pre-Surgical Care For Rabbits

Do you know how to prepare your rabbit for spay/neuter or other surgeries? Let’s find out!

First choose an experienced, rabbit savvy veterinarian to perform the operation. Check with your local rabbit rescue for a list of the best veterinarians in your area for rabbits. You may also want to check if your area has low-cost spay/neuter services for people who qualify. 

In the days leading up to the surgery stick to your rabbit’s regular routine.

On the day of surgery feed the usual diet consisting of hay, pellets, water, and leafy green vegetables. Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits should not fast before operations. As a matter of fact, rabbits should have food and water available right up to the time of surgery. Feeding keeps the gastrointestinal tract moving, which helps them to recover quickly.

Bring some of your rabbit’s food (especially favorite greens) with you to the veterinary clinic on the day of surgery. This food will be offered post-surgery and is an important part of the recovery process.

If your rabbit has a bonded friend (hopefully already sterilized!), call ahead to your veterinary clinic to find out their policy on bringing the bonded mate along for the appointment. Being with their bonded friend can lower stress and be beneficial to healing.

You don’t need to change your rabbit’s routine or feeding schedule to prepare for spay/neuter surgery, however giving extra love and snuggles is always appropriate!

More information

Pre-Surgical Instructions: http://www.fvawl.org/pre-surgical-instructions

How To Find A Good Rabbit Veterinarian: https://rabbit.org/health/how-to-find-a-rabbit-savvy-vet/

Pre- and Post-operative care of domestic rabbits: http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/opcare.html

©Copyright Amy Ramnaraine. All Rights Reserved. Republished with the permission of the author.

  • Amy Ramnaraine

    Since 2001 my life has been filled with my own beloved, free-roaming house rabbits. They fueled my desire to help other people and their rabbits live happily and healthfully together. I began as a local educator for the Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society (2008 — 2015). I then became a licensed educator for the national House Rabbit Society (2016 — 2023). I have expanded my own rabbit knowledge through many conferences and seminars on rabbit care, behavior, and health. As a rabbit advocate I’ve organized transports, campaigned, fostered, and provided hospice care. As an educator I’ve done my best to create easily accessible information to improve the lives of rabbits and the humans who care for them. My beloved bunnies were: Mouse & Duchess, Captain BlackOak & Pixel, Fluffston, Guinevere, Joy & Magnus.

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