Normal post-spay behaviour?

[Miffy&FlossLove]

Hello everyone. I’m sure there are other threads like this on here but it says the search function is down so I can’t find any! My two little girl mini lops, Floss and Miffy, had their spays on Friday. I picked them up Friday evening (it’s not Sunday afternoon) and by all accounts seem to be doing OK. I’m just brand new to keeping bunnies and have never experience this before so wanted to check out a couple of things… Sorry for being paranoid!

Both of them have warmed up nicely after the anaesthetic. I put fleece blankets into their hutch (where they’re currently confined together on one level) to protect their incisions but they moved these out the way preferring to sleep on the hay? Is this going to cause an issue? Their wounds look clean and fine at the moment and I’m not sure how I can force them to sleep on anything else but will try if I need to?

They both are nibbling food. I’ve got their normal pellets in there, plenty of fresh hay and their normal vegetables. I’ve seen them both eat bits and pieces throughout the whole time they’ve been back and take treats willingly too. How long should I wait before I get worried that they’re not eating as much as normal? It’s been less than 2 days so I’m not there just yet… ??

I’ve also seen both of them poop now, but again how much poop should I expect and when should this increase again? I let them have a hop around just in front of the hutch yesterday which made them do a few more, but at this stage is it just good that they’re doing any at all? Or should I be concerned that there’s only a handful?

I’m managing to get their pain relief down them and when theyre not sleeping they seem bright and alert, not a lot of evidence that theyre in a lot of pain. My main concern currently is the lack of fluid they’re taking. I phoned the vet who said they were given a big booster of fluids at the vets on Friday so not to worry, focus on the eating and poop. But how long should I not worry about drinking for!? They have eaten a lot of spring greens and kale so will get some water from that. I have two bottles set up, one of which has a couple of drops of orange juice in to tempt them but so far nothing. I just tried to put a heavy ceremaic bowl of water in too but whilst I was still holding it Miffy grabbed the side and pushed my hand away long with the bowl ?

We have a vets checkup tomorrow lunchtime but I just wanted to make sure this all sounds normal and positive so I don’t stress so much in the meantime!

Ps. Here is a pic of my baby buns so you know who I’m talking about!

[Inserted by Wick]

[Wick & Fable]

Welcome to BB! I inserted your picture for you. After attaching it to your post, you need to click “Insert Image” once it appears in your attachments list. An unintuitive step, sorry! Also, sorry our search function is down, but we do encourage members to make their own posts, even if it has already been asked. This ensures you get responses and up to date information, since we are all constantly learning more about rabbit care.

The fact that they are pooping is great. Now I’m only experienced with neuter (male) recovery, which is less invasive, thus less recovery time, but in general I’ve read people say if it takes more than a week to get back to normal, than that’s worrisome. The fact that they are pooping and eating greens is a fantastic sign! Again, unsure of spays, but I know for neuters, rabbits (including my Wick) did not drink water from his bowl for three days, so I made sure to wet his veggies extra to ensure hydration. It sounds like you have this idea as well, so keep that up!

I recommend keep monitoring them as you are now, trying to entice hay appetite as much as you can. It’s great that they don’t seem to be in pain. In terms of laying on hay vs. blankets, hay is not preferable, but if they are not injuring themselves, just keep an eye out. We can’t really force rabbits to use blankets/beds very reliably because they dictate what’s most comfortable for them.

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.

[Miffy&FlossLove]

Thankyou so much for your reply Wick! And for sorting out my photo… Doh!

They just ruck their blankies up and sleep next to them, they’re so annoying! The first night they slept on them a bit more as they were still really drowsy but now won’t tolerate them being there!

I’ll stick at it with the water… they don’t seem to mind the wet veggies so I’m just keeping an eye that they don’t lay on them!

I’m checking their stitches as much as possible. It’s hard work with Floss but I’m encouraging her to reach for treats etc until I can see. I’m glad I don’t have to wait long for the vet check up!

[Wick & Fable]

If anything, I find my Wick enjoys having something to lean against and surround himself in when sleeping/resting, so they may actually like the blankets, but beside them/around them, rather than under them.

Sending healing vibes~~

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.

[Author]

Messages