When performed by a qualified veterinarian, spay/neuter surgery is a safe and beneficial operation for rabbits. Once you’ve got your bunny scheduled for spay/neuter surgery, what’s next? Now it’s time to learn about pre-surgical care and post-surgical aftercare.
It’s normal for rabbits to be sore for a few days afterward. Ask your veterinarian about pain management at home. Pain management is very important for a quick and healthy recovery, and medication definitely plays a role.
Once back at home put your rabbit in a quiet, warm environment. If your bunny is part of a bonded pair or a group keep them together, as long as they interact calmly with each other.
Your rabbit needs to begin eating as soon as possible — within 24 hours of surgery. Offer fresh water, hay, veggies, and pellets. Keep a close eye on food and water consumption. If normal eating and drinking does not resume within 24 hours consult your veterinarian.
Be sure to monitor your rabbit’s poops! Output should return to normal within a day or two. If fecal output slows or stops contact your veterinarian right away.
Rabbits generally recover quickly from spay/neuter surgery and often return to their normal behavior in just a few days. Males usually recover from neuter surgery more quickly than females recover from spay surgery.
It is important that you wait 30 days after surgery before making an introduction to other rabbis. It can take up to 30 days for hormones to subside and males can have viable sperm for several weeks post-neuter!
Resources:
- Pre and Post-Surgical Care of Rabbits
- Post Surgical Instructions
- Georgia HRS: Spay & Neuter Post-Op Care
