Neutered too early?

[Aylnine]

As some of you may know, I recently adopted a male Himalayan mix named Sir Rupert. After reading more articles recently I have been wondering about some things:

The fact sheet I got from the shelter says that he is 2 months (although I suppose by now he could be 3 months). However he’s actually quite big (but not fat) for a 2 month old compared to other rabbits I’ve seen, though that might just be due to a difference in breed. The shelter also neutered him when they got him in at 1-2 months, but most websites I’ve seen say that rabbits usually get neutered at 4+ since that’s when they reach sexual maturity.

So the two questions I have are: could the shelter have gotten my bunny’s age wrong, and that’s why they were able to neuter? Or could the vet actually have neutered at 2 months, and would this affect Sir Rupert’s behavior and growth in comparison to a bunny who was neutered at sexual maturity? OR, could they have not even neutered at all?

I realize these questions can’t be answered definitively unless if I go to a vet, but I just wanted to ask here first to see if anyone has any info on size and neutering at a young age.

Thanks!

[tobyluv]

The House Rabbit Society website says “Males can be neutered as soon as the testicles descend, usually around 3-1/2 months of age.”

It sounds like Sir Rupert must be a little older than the shelter states. Surely, the vet could not have neutered him if the testicles weren’t descended. I think that some shelters may have no idea how old a rabbit is when they get them, and they just make a guess as to the age.

[Aylnine]

That makes much more sense. I just checked his microchip and he is definitely neutered, which means he must be at least a few months older than they say he is. I guess I’ll just take a stab at his age for now and feed accordingly (and he doesn’t eat like a fiend which is reassuring). Thanks!

[Elrohwen]

I would guess he’s older than they stated. My boy’s testicles were descended at 8 weeks, but 3 months is more typical. Vets can’t neuter until they descend (well, they can, but it’s invasive) so it’s likely he was older.

How much does he weigh? Since you say himalayan mix, I assume he has the standard himalayan coloring which is the same coloring of Californian rabbits – a much larger breed than the small himalayan. It’s quite possible he’s just going to be a large rabbit and that’s why he’s big now, or he could be much older than they thought.

[Aylnine]

I think he’s older, too. He has black ears, a black nose, and grey paws/tail, with white all over. He weighs a little under 2 pounds. The girl who showed him to me said he’d probably grow a bit more and none of them thought he was an adult.

Would it be advised to take him to a vet for another checkup anyway, even though he came from a shelter? Would they be able to determine a better age for him? And should I take him to a bunny-specific vet rather than the shelter vet? I don’t know if they know much about rabbits, but they’re the ones who did the neutering and the shelter takes in rabbits consistently so I would assume that they employ a knowledgeable vet. Other than the age difference he seems to be okay, although I haven’t been able to groom him yet so he’s looking a little long in the nail and scruffy.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I agree, he’s likely older than that. thought stranger things have happened (we’ve heard of vets missing a testicle, and vets taking the ovaries but not the uterus) so anything including that they didn’t neuter is possible.

I would think it’s wise to get to a vet anyways-that way you establish a relationship with a vet prior to needing one, and Sir Rupert can go to a vet when he’s not sick (it can be scary to go somewhere new when you aren’t feeling well, it’s nicer if they’ve been there before) you can get feedback and get questions answered too. so super idea to head to a vet.

[Aylnine]

Thanks guys. I agree; I just scheduled an appt with a HRS listed hospital. I really hope they’re good because they’re close by.

I’m just mostly concerned because I don’t want to feed Sir Rupert the wrong stuff if he’s not actually that young.

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