Spaying Tiny Rabbit

[LucyJennifer]

Hi,

I’m really just looking for some reassurance and to hear from anyone who has had a similarly small bunny go through a spay operation successfully to put my mind at rest.
We have two girl bunnies, sisters from the same litter. One has always been much bigger than the other, often double her size when they were younger. We took them both in to get spayed a month ago (when they were 6 months old) as bigger bunny had started to mount and we didn’t want any fights to weaken their bond. I also know how important it is to spay females for their long term health. The vet spayed our bigger bunny but decided not to do the smaller one as she was so tiny still at 700 Grams/1.5 pounds. We were fine with this as she wasn’t at all hormonal yet – but now she is! Again we have mounting and chasing, this time from the smaller bunny. We separate them so they can still see each other if needed but this upsets them. We know smaller bunny needs spaying and have her booked in tomorrow. However, she still seems so small and I’m very nervous. She now weighs 855 Grams/1.9 pounds and looks so small still. She’s 7 months and her growth rate is slowing so leaving it a while probably won’t help, plus I don’t want them to fight due to her hormones.
Has anybody spayed such a small rabbit and it gone well? I would feel better tomorrow if I knew it was possible. I trust our vets but need my mind put at rest!
Thank you

[Stayathomemama28]

Sorry, no information but I am curious to hear what others say. I have a Netherland Dwarf and depending on how big he gets he may weigh less then 2lbs full grown. Is the Vet a specialized one for rabbits? I would say as long as they have experience with rabbits then size really shouldn’t matter that much (if the bunny is otherwise healthy). Smaller breed rabbits are spayed\neutered all the time!

Sending lots of positive energy and good vibes.

[Mikey]

I dont think size/weight matters much during spays or neuters, as long as the rabbit is within the healthy weight range. It doesnt sound like your vet is very experienced with rabbits if size makes them nervous. Ive not heard of a rabbit savy vet turning down a rabbit do to size. How many rabbits has your vet worked on, and are they certified to work on rabbits/exotics?

[Azerane]

To the best of my knowledge, I know that some vets prefer to wait until a rabbit is a little larger, as generally the smaller the animal, the slightly higher the risk, whereas with a larger animal, you’ve got a little bit of wiggle room when adjusting anesthetic. That doesn’t mean that it can’t be done, because it certainly can and is still very safe. Just think about all the tiny kittens in shelters that are spayed and neutered around 8 weeks of age. If your vet is not comfortable doing the procedure at your rabbit’s current size, it may be worth considering another rabbit savvy vet.

[LucyJennifer]

Hi, thanks for the replies. Yes the vet is very experienced and the best in the area for rabbits.
Bunny has gone in now and we are waiting to call in a few hours to see how it’s gone. Her sister is with her to look after her! Missing them loads

[Brambino]

Hi LucyJennifer

How did she get on??

Its nice that they have each other! ((((Get well vibes))))

[Azerane]

Let us know how it goes, wishing her all the best.

[LucyJennifer]

The operation went well
She’s home now, in pain and sad but has had her medicine and some critical care.
Thanks for your support and advice Will update again when she’s more herself tomorrow.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Wishing her a ((((Speedy Recovery)))))

[Stayathomemama28]

Glad to hear it all went well!

[Azerane]

Woohoo! Great news, wishing her all the best for a quick recovery.

[Mikey]

Glad to hear it went well! My little nethie male just got neutered yesterday as well ((((healing vibes))))

[LucyJennifer]

Completely back to normal now, eating hay and pellets and wanting to know why she’s not allowed out to play!

[Gina.Jenny]

Aww bless her x

[Bam]

So happy to hear it

[Author]

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