Making sure my bunny is comfortable after neuter

[Dasher]

So Cookie Dough is getting neutered tomorrow and I just wanted to ask if anyone has advice for caring for him afterwards and making sure he is comfy. I want to make this as painless as possible for him. I have those storage cubes that i’m going to use to make him a little cage and he will have puzzle piece matts and blankets. Also how long do I need to comfine him to make sure he doesn’t hurt himself? Should I be worried about hay or bedding irritating his skin? I’ve done some research but this is my first bunny so I just want to make sure I do everything right and that he is ok.

[Mikey]

Thankfully, neuters are usually very easy on bunnies

He shoudl be confined for about 3 to 7 days. Keep his litter box as clean as possible (I cleaned litter boxes about twice a day, just in case). If you have dusty hay, try to clean that out often as well, as hay dust can irritate the area if theres a lot of it. Check his wound once in the morning and once before night. You can check by holding a treat above his head so he has to stand. For the first day or two, the wounds may be swollen and red or purple, this is normal; if after about 4 days you till notice swelling and discoloration, call your vet. If he starts to lick the wounds, consider getting a cone; excessive licking can cause irritation and infection. If he manages to break one wound open, head to the nearest emergency vet.

[Wick & Fable]

If Cookie Dough lets you, check the surgical site every day, just to make sure it’s okay. One hand supporting his back and the other his butt, gently rotate him so you can see the neuter site. Initially, there may be dried blood in the area, depending on your vet’s thoroughness with cleaning, but aside from that, it should look pretty tame down there, aside from minor swelling.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Bam]

Most male buns do very well after a neuter. Some might want a heating pad/hand warmers/ hot water bottle wrapped in a blanket to snuggle up to. My Bam did, but he was older when he was neutered. Serve water in a bowl instead of a bottle, because a newly anesthetized bun might not feel up to bothering with a bottle. The most important thing is to get him to eat something. Fresh herbs are often appreciated, for example cilantro, parlsey, dill or mint. Pellets is often the last food type they return to.

Make sure the vet gives him a painkiller for you to distribute at home, if needed. Metacam is well tolerated by bunnies. Painkillers makes it less likely that the bun will try and chew at his incision site. The outer wound is often glued shut, so there are no stitches. As Mikey says, if you see him go for the wound, a cone is necessary and if he manages to rip sth open, a vet visit asap is required. Check wound every day as the others have said already.

Most neutered boys need to be confined for 2-3 days only, but some can have a bit of playtime on days two and tree. No jumping and climbing the first week.

[Dasher]

Thanks! I’ll be sure to check the incision and give him a bowl for water. The vet is giving us pain medication for the rabbit and they will be feeding him once he wakes up.

[Wick & Fable]

Don’t be alarmed if he doesn’t drink for a while. If he’s still peeing, that’s fine. Make his veggies extra wet.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Mikey]

Great that youre getting pain meds, too! Some vets dont like to give pain meds to boys since the surgery is pretty minor, but the meds certainly helped out my Blue after his neuter.

Let us know how it goes after he gets home (((((vibes)))))

[Dasher]

My bunny is home now and seems fine. He’s eaten a little bit and has been active. I just had to take away his water bowl or else he will step in it and the vet said if he gets wet the wound will open.

[Wick & Fable]

Make sure to extra-wet his vegetables. Is there a way to build a temporary contraption of cardboard walls so he doesn’t dunk his bottom in the bowl? Having access to the water would be good, although many rabbits don’t drink after a neuter, the option should be there if they feel so inclined.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Glad he made it through okay. (((((Speedy Healing Vibes)))))

[Mikey]

Glad to hear hes doing alright Hopefully he continues to get better soon enough!

[OverthinkingBun]

Best of luck with his recovery! One little comment: you mention keeping him on some of those puzzle piece mats. Has he been on those before? My bunny did really well on those for weeks, and then suddenly decided to chew (and I’m pretty sure eat…) them up. You might be totally fine, but you might also want to keep an eye on that in case Cookie Dough gets bored and decides to try to make them a snack

No criticism intended – that might be a great choice for your bun!

[LittlePuffyTail]

My little lop also decided those mats were a tasty snack. They just love that sort of texture.

[Author]

Messages