Cone around neck after surgery?

[Zoe]

This weekend I am taking my 2 bunnies Leo (male) and Bella (female) to get them neutered and spayed. I was advised ahead of time that after the surgery my female bun Bella should wear a cone around her neck. I am very concerned about this and don’t know if it is necessary. Does anyone have any experience with this who can tell me what to do? Also, if anyone has any advice on how to take care of my babies after their surgeries please let me know. I am very nervous as these are my first rabbits and my first experience going through the spay/neuter process.

[Deleted User]

Hi Zoe The surgeries are a little nerve wracking, but they’ll be fine. A lot of females tend to wear cones after the spay because the procedure is more invasive than a neuter is, so the cone is protecting the site in the event that she chews or licks at her stitches. If she doesn’t wear a cone, you will have to constantly monitor her so she doesn’t aggravate her site.

As for care after the surgeries, you will want to restrict their space while they are healing so they do not accidentally open their sites mid-binky or jumping, one week for the male, and two weeks for the female. Check their incision sites at least twice a day, if not three times to monitor for infection. Make sure that your vet sends you home with pain meds, especially for your female. If they are in a lot of pain they will be lethargic, won’t want to eat, and could slip into stasis. If they aren’t already, they need to be kept separated for 2 months to let hormones drain and let their sites heal, as well as because there is a chance that your male can still get your female pregnant for up to one month after the surgery. Lastly, the first few days you will really want to monitor them. Make sure they are eating, drinking, and pooping. If not, force feed Critical Care of pellet mash and take them to the vet to get everything checked out. They will be pretty pooped out the first day or two and will probably want to sleep the majority of the day.

The most important thing is to just be there for them. Love them, pet them, give them lots of attention if they’d like. Good luck

[Zoe]

The vet does not supply the cones so I have to find one. Does anyone know of any good ones to buy? Also, should I get the soft cones or the hard plastic ones? I need a cone that will stay in place as I am afraid she will be able to get it off (she is a determined little bun.)

[tobyluv]

I have never had to use a cone on any of my bunnies after their surgeries, but it does become necessary with some rabbits. Some of the cones or collars are more comfortable than others and make it easier for a rabbit to eat, which is so important. Edited because I just saw your question about the cones and collars.  I thought that most vets had them.  You could call some other nearby vets to see.  I’m not sure if they are sold in pet supply stores.  The soft E-collars are a lot more comfortable and allow the rabbits to eat easier, but they may not be as effective at keeping them from messing with the incision site.

Besides the good advice you’ve already been given, make sure that your bunnies are warm after their surgeries. Sometimes anesthesia/surgery can affect body temperature. If they seem at all cold, use a hot water bottle or heating pad (be careful of the cord), or give them a lot of blankets to cuddle in. Make sure that you have all of their favorite greens and fruit on hand to tempt them to eat if they don’t seem to have much of an appetite. If Critical Care is necessary, sometimes a rabbit will eat the mixture out of a dish or lick it off of your finger, instead of you having to force feed them. You can add a little plain canned pumpkin or a small amount of baby food to the mixture to make it more tempting to them.

[Author]

Messages