It seems odd that they want to keep him for 24 hours. Maybe it’s a way of making extra money, because it will cost you money and they won’t really have to do much. Both my bunnies went home the same day, I’ve understood thats the general rule. I’d be suspiscious if I were you. Please ask them why they want to keep him for so long, a neutered rabbit most often just needs to be kept warm and dry and given extra tasty stuff to eat so the stomach doesn’t stop working – but many rabbits won’t eat until after about 24 h and that’s normal. Painmeds and gut-motility stimulating drugs should be given before the bunny is sent home.

Some vets do keep them overnight…it’s not that uncommon at all.

Here is one thing that I would check on: Most veterinary facilities do not have the space to house cats and dogs separately…let alone bunnies. Yes they are in separate cages but those cages are usually all in the same room. If your bun is not accustomed to dogs…and believe me, dogs at a kennel or at the vets bark a LOT…I would also worry about that stressing out bunnies.

Just something else to consider.

There isn’t anything wrong with keeping a bun overnight at the vet’s, but be sure to ask if there will be someone available there overnight. I see little point in boarding a rabbit for observation when everyone goes home in the evening and there is no one there to “observe”.

I think sometimes they prepare you for the worst, so I would call after the surgery and ask how your bunny is doing. If they see that your bun is okay to go home after 5 hours post-neuter, then I’m sure they’d be happy to send him home. They would only need to keep them overnight if the bun isn’t looking like they’re ready to be transported or able to move at all. Mine was dropped off at 8am and his surgery was around 1pm, and they told us we could pick him up around 6pm. I wasn’t comfortable with my bun being at the vet from 8am-6pm, let alone 24 hours! I called them after work and asked if he was ready to go home earlier. They said he was eating and moving around so they let me take him home.

Also, most receptionists use the same notes for dogs and cats, like they say don’t feed your pet after 10 pm the night before surgery. This is incorrect info for rabbits, so just feed them like normal before you take them to the vet. Good luck and keep us updated!

Sorry, I was wrong then, it seems it is normal for vets to want to keep the bunny.

Some vets keep them, some don’t. Just like with dogs/cats, some vets keep them, some don’t. It’s easier for a vet to handle if they stop eating than an owner, plus if they use stitches that are not internal it’s easier for them to know if the stitches are being chewed at. My vet sent ours home right before closing, but he also offered to stay late the next day (Friday) if we the buns were acting off so he could see them rather than using an emergency vet.

How did Rocket make out with his neuter?

I’m glad you are able to bring him home now

I’m glad he’s doing well, it was good of your vet to keep him in for observation too