Does bunny need pain medicine after getting spayed?

[LittleDoll]

Our bunny got spayed today. When I was picking her up from the vet they didnt give any pain medicine to take home. I asked the vet if she can have some pain medicine. He said “OK” and prescribed 3 doses of Metacam to be taken once a day.

I do not understand why animals after spay/neuter are not routinely sent home with pain meds. Spaying is a surgery even if it is laparoscopic. Maybe I am worrying too much. I am a nurse in acute care setting, and we MUST treat pain. Do animals not feel pain in the same way as humans do? For sure they cannot tell us.

What is your opinion?

 

[Sarita]

It is usually recommended. I totally agree with you. I do think it is up to us to be advocates for our rabbits though. My vets are very good about pain meds but some just aren’t so much…I don’t understand it either. You are not worrying to much, you are spot on :~)

[bmt87]

I went to a vet that was HIGHLY recommended from the SDHRS for Lola’s spay and they didn’t give pain medication either. I asked about it and they said they gave her a dose before she was leaving that would last throughout the night and next day and if she was acting like she was in pain then to call. I followed their instructions but still felt kind of guilty. She was lethargic that night and the next day but was back to her normal self the next night. I know rabbits like to hide pain so I guess I’ll never know if she was actually feeling any.

[Hunny's Momma]

When Hunny was spay we were’nt given any pain meds either… Dr. Good (Rabbit savvy) had given her something that they said would last the night & then I was told I could give her infant ibuprofen once a day if needed for pain… I bought some and when she looked like she was uncomfortable I gave her the dose the doc said (1.25ml) for Hunny’s size at the time which was 8lbs. I only gave her the medicine for the 1st couple days after her spay basically till she started moving more & didn’t look like she was in pain. And she liked the berry flavor so it was easy to give to her…

[LBJ10]

Some vet’s feel that they don’t want the animal to feel “too good” after surgery because they may hurt themselves. Mine didn’t give pain meds, but I have boys. I did ask for some for Wooly though because his was more extensive than a normal neuter. He was back to normal within a few days.

[bullrider76543]

When I was in Texas my vet gave me pain meds to take home for my oldest two. But When I got Blue done here in Joplin MO the vet said he doesnt need any, that the iv pain meds would last for 24-30 hours and he would be ok after that. Blue didnt act like he was in any pain so I guess it was working.

[LittleDoll]

OK, thanks for replies.
Since I already have that medicine I might give it as well. It might make her more comfortable or not, but probably wont hurt anything. She is not a jumper type bunny, she is pretty calm. Right now she is acting lethargic. She is just sitting in her x-pen and wouldnt even come out to play. She is probably sleepy after the anesthesia.

[Monkeybun]

With girls especially its a good thing to get. Its more invasive than a boys neuter.

[bullrider76543]

Thats good to know since Baby is getting fixed next week

[bmt87]

Posted By LBJ10 on 08/09/2012 06:24 PM

Some vet’s feel that they don’t want the animal to feel “too good” after surgery because they may hurt themselves. Mine didn’t give pain meds, but I have boys. I did ask for some for Wooly though because his was more extensive than a normal neuter. He was back to normal within a few days.

I forgot that this is one of the reasons the vet gave me when they said they didn’t suggest giving them anymore paid meds other than the IV ones….  Thanks for reminding me!  I knew there was a reason and I couldn’t think of it.

Even though my buns spay is done – this thread makes me feel a little better and less barbaric about Lola’s spay…so I’m glad you asked the question and started the thread.   

[Sarita]

The pain meds usually wear off between 12 and 24 hours though. They do give them some pretty heavy duty stuff though which is why they usually have weird poops and don’t eat for at least 24 hours (at least the females).

I’ve found in the past that the boys bounce back quickly after neuters. Females are more withdrawn and recover slower.

That’s funny that the vet doesn’t want the animal to feel “too good” after surgery – I imagine they don’t LOL…I do understand the theory somewhat though.

[LBJ10]

Sarita – Yes, I’ve heard that argument numerous times. It wasn’t just with rabbits, but dogs and cats too. I suppose it makes sense if the animal is feeling great, full of energy, and wants to bounce around. That would probably be bad. That’s why they will only suggest pain meds if the animal appears to be too uncomfortable to want to eat and such.

To clarify, when I say pain meds I mean the kind you take home.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I totally agree with you littledoll! I find it really strange that we wouldn’t bother giving pain meds to an animal that has had surgery.

[LittleDoll]

Thank you everyone for your input. I also found this on House Rabbit Society website: “After the surgery, ask your veterinarian for pain medication, especially for a spay”.

[Brownie's Mama]

I just got my little one spayed 2 days ago and I am totally freaking out because she is not eating much. Will her appetite return along with her playfulness?

[LittlePuffyTail]

Brownie’sMama- It’s normal for them to be lethargic and have less appetite for a few days. If she’s really not eating anything at all I would suggest calling the vet.

[Brownie's Mama]

LittlePuffyTail – I took her to the vet yesterday because I thought her stitching had come out, when I got there I also let them know that my little one had lost weight (she looks thinner). They assured me the stitching is still intact and that she did lose a little weight and to just keep monitoring her food intake. Make sure that she is eating. I have been giving her lots of spinach, alfalfa hay, and pellets. She also seems so angry with me! She’s losing lots of fur too!

[Nicolene]

I had my bunny spayed at a highly recommended humane society that do cats, dogs and bunnies. She didn’t come home with meds, but I was told she got a strong dose before I picked her up and it was important to get her moving by the next day. Lo and behold miss thing was up and ready to eat by the time we got home. She didn’t seem to miss a beat. I was VERY worried about the lack of meds, but it turned out fine.

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