Changed behaviour post neutering…

[igbyandkatie]

 Hi all,

My name is Kaitlyn, and I’m from Australia and the owner of an 18 month-old male rabbit named Igby. Three weeks ago, I had Igby neutered, and since the surgery his behaviour has changed immensely. He has gone from being a very affectionate and easily-handled rabbit to being defensive and slightly aggressive. He won’t come anywhere near me and seems to hate me. He isn’t displaying any symptoms of depression and is still active and inquisitive; only his attitude towards me has changed. He has even started biting me! Has this happened to anyone else after having a buck neutered? Does anyone have any tips to offer about how to restore our previously close bond? I really ‘miss’ him.

Thanks,

Kaitlyn.

[RabbitPam]

Hi, Kaitlyn, and welcome.

Well, it’s usually the other way around, where pre-neuter behavior is what you described and the aggression calms down after the surgery.
So, my first thought is he may have something wrong, and be in discomfort somewhere. Did you ask your vet about this? Has he been seen after the procedure? I would call the vet and describe it and possibly take him back for a look to see if it’s something physical. It may be unrelated to the neuter. At the least, he’s probably due for a nail trim so it wouldn’t be a waste to take him in.

If he is healthy, and his eating and pooping is regular and hasn’t changed as well, then you can try to slowly rebond with him. I would let him out in the same room with you, get on the floor to read or watch TV and ignore him. Let him come to you. When he does, talk calmly, don’t make a sudden move to grab him, and give him head pets if he’ll let you. Don’t come at him from above. Let him lower his head under your hand. Do that for a few days and see if it helps.
If you’re putting your hands into his cage to pet or feed him, he may be associating that with being pulled out for the vet. Clean and feed him while he’s out of his cage so you don’t appear to be invading his territory.

Oh – most important: it takes about 4 weeks for the hormones to settle down, so he might just not be at that point yet. But I’d call the vet first.

[jerseygirl]

Welcome Kaitlyn (from another Australian Katie)

I also thought like RabbitPam that it could be a source of discomfort that is causing this behaviour change.  Did he physically recover ok from the op?  Or it may be he just hasn’t “forgiven” you and will need to trust you again – which will just take some time. 

I have just read a few similar cases, where the possibility was mentioned the that handling the testes during surgery might cause a testosterone surge.  In this case, it would take a month or so for this to completly leave the system – as does the normal levels.  Total speculation here, but if this were the case, Igby would have extra levels of testosterone than his norm for a short period.  Hopefully in a week or two you will get your old bun bun back

Here’s the search results I found if you would like to take a look.  Some are answered by Dana Krempels Ph.D, a biologist and very knowledgable on rabbits. en.allexperts.com/sitesearch.htm

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Oh that’s not fun-it’s supposed to be the other way around!!

I agree-perhaps take him to the vet for a follow up exam and ensure he’s not in any pain and everything has healed nicely. Then act as if he’s a new bunny and start bonding again. Sit on the floor and allow him to come to you, and give him treats for doing so, talk to him. It iwll take time but they do forgive He may just be very smart and have linked you taking him to the vet with the pain post surgery

Keep us posted and Welcome!!

[Jessyka]

Maybe Igby is just feeling angsty and pubescent?

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Welcome Jeeska

It’s better to start a new thread, with your question. That way we can all see it and anwer. Message me if you have questions about doing that….
kokaneeandkahlua @ binkybunny.com

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