Hehe…Too late?

[Juli]

So, as many of you know, I made a forum post about spaying Dakota about a year ago. Well, that doctor worked with my sister and she did not want to do it because if something went wrong, she thought my sister would be mad at her. So I kind of gave up. Yup! I had to go through yet another year of being terrified just to open the cage to feed my rabbit. She has not come out of her cage much, only like once a month and she even escaped once which took 3 hours to catch her. I have several scars from her biting and scratching me to the point that I started offering her to a breeder. I feel so bad for her. I almost feel like I am abusing her and hurting her, when I am not trying to. Though I am not quite ready to give up on her. She was my special Christmas present and I can’t let something so special go. She will be turning three on Christmas eve. Is it too late to spay? Have I already ruined her? I remember she was so sweet as a baby and would do binkies, lick my hand, and fall asleep in my lap. I looked up several articles on spaying and everyone said it dramatically reduced the aggression and also that it is very dangerous not to have them spayed. However is three years old TOO old? I found a vet who is supposed to be great at this with small animals. I can always call and ask but I was wondering if anyone on here knew. If spaying helps her out, I have made a resolution to be a better bunny owner. I will buy her one of those big bunny run-in houses and let her go outside for some exercise and just let her live the bunny dream life. So please help me out here.

[skunklionshow]

I can’t imagine going so long w/o being able to find a vet to do the spay. My Jessica was a mean little thing until she got fixed. She bit me all the time and would lunge at me. It was hard to get her food in the cage sometimes. One day, on Easter, she ripped up my hand so bad I almost needed stitches. My mother in law commented “what a great easter bunny (sarcasm)!” No its not too late, but I would get it done soon so you can go back to enjoying your rabbit. I’ve speutered as old as 5/6. If it makes for a better quality life for you & your bunny, you need to do it. Did you check the vet recs on this site? What about a local shelter or House Rabbit Society? Good Luck!

[Sarita]

Absolutely NOT too old and the sooner you do this the better – if not only for her health – uterine cancer is the main reason to do this, not necessarily the behavior. There is no guarantee that this will change her, but it’s necessary nevertheless.

What I would suggest however is to do the bloodwork.

[Sam&Rex]

Sooner is always better, but 3 years old is till plenty young enough to spay your bunny. My vet says he usually won’t perform the sugery after about six years old depending on the rabbit.

I would definitely get her spayed.
Good luck with your bun!

[Juli]

Thanks! I will definatley call the vet when I get a chance. I really hope this works out. She is just so territorial and I want her too be safe so I guess we’ll give this a try. I am just so nervous because she is a female and the surgery is so much harder and i will probably be freaking out the whole time XD Wish us luck!

[Hazel]

Spay her. 3 years is not too old at all. Is there any better vet you could take her too though? If I was in your shoes, I would be kinda put off by her not wanting to spay so your sister won’t be mad at her if something happens… Sounds like she doesn’t feel very confident about doing the spay.

[peppypoo]

Agreed with everyone – spay is the best option, and can lead to a better life for both you and Dakota. Definitely do try to do a blood panel first to make sure she can tolerate the anesthesia, and most of all find a veterinarian who is experienced and comfortable with the procedure. Here are some great vet-finding suggestions from the House Rabbit Society: http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/vet.html

[Beka27]

I’m flabbergasted by this… NOT YOU, but that “vet”. The biggest part of being a medical professional is doing what is best for the patient. Period. It isn’t ethical to know that something is strongly recommended for several reasons, but you don’t recommend it because of who might get mad. That is ridiculous. Patients (and in this case clients) need to be given all of their options so they can make an informed decision. First, I hope you don’t see this vet anymore. Second, I hope you will contact them (whether by phone, email, letter, whatever…) and express your concerns/displeasure, regardless of who might get mad. What if this vet isn’t recommending spays for any rabbits? How many may have gotten cancer, or have been given up due to aggression and territorial behavior?! Granted, spaying isn’t always a cure-all for behavioral issues, but the HEALTH risks alone make it a necessary procedure.

Sorry for my rant, but this angers me. I’m amazed that you have waited THIS LONG to seek out another vet, but at least you have and she’s on her way!

[Juli]

Don’t worry Hazel I have found a different vet and Beka, the reason it took so long is because I live in a very rural area and there are only about three animal clinics that are in the area that I know are good. I will call tomorrow and see when I can get an appointment.

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