Planning to get my bunny spayed

[kitmunplat97]

After tons of research and persuasion, I finally got my parents to agree to spaying my rabbit (I’m paying for it but it’s nice not having to feel guilty about it). Their stance was that she’d be in huge pain and stress and being unspayed didn’t really affect her behaviour but I wanted her to live a few years longer.

I’ve read that after the operation, you have to check the woundsite to see if it’s doing okay, but my bunny extremely dislikes being carried and struggles crazily every time we try to even lift her. Only her experienced groomer can carry her, and even he says she’s a challenge. So, is it okay if her wound remains unchecked post operation?

I’m also afraid that the 45 minute trip to the vet (and another 45 minutes back) will cause her lots of stress too.

Also, how long did the procedure take, and what was your bunny’s entire experience, from consulting her vet to fully recovering?

Thank you so much for your help!

-a really paranoid and worried bunny owner

[Savikins]

Welcome to BB! Also, good job convincing your parents to let you get your bunny spayed. She will be much happier and healthier than an unspayed bunny.  

My bunny, Liebchen, isn’t big on being held. I have to get her with towels and scoop her up to do anything that requires holding her. After getting spayed, she was so tired she didn’t really mind. Chances are your bunny won’t put up as much of a fight as usual, but yes, you do need to check the incision. I would ask one of your parents to help you out. My Dad or my boyfriend always helps me anytime I need to pick up Liebchen. 

Liebchen HATES car rides. She thumps the entire way. Unfortunately, the low-cost spay/neuter clinic was about 30-45 minutes away – she was not a happy bunny on the way there. She seemed kind of doped up on the way back and didn’t mind the ride. Some rabbits dislike car rides, and others don’t mind them – it seems like most actually don’t mind them. Even if your bunny does mind, he/she will be okay. 

Since it was a low cost place, I followed their typical protocol. Dropped Liebchen off first thing in the morning, I think it was at 8 am, and I picked her up at pickup time which was 5 pm. I don’t think regular vets do this, though, so the time between drop off and pickup will be shorter most likely. Liebchen was tired at first, didn’t want any treats, but after about 6 hours she had some fresh thyme, after 12-14 hours she was eating pretty normally. 

[kitmunplat97]

Posted By Savikins on 7/25/2015 6:28 PM

Welcome to BB! Also, good job convincing your parents to let you get your bunny spayed. She will be much happier and healthier than an unspayed bunny.  

My bunny, Liebchen, isn’t big on being held. I have to get her with towels and scoop her up to do anything that requires holding her. After getting spayed, she was so tired she didn’t really mind. Chances are your bunny won’t put up as much of a fight as usual, but yes, you do need to check the incision. I would ask one of your parents to help you out. My Dad or my boyfriend always helps me anytime I need to pick up Liebchen. 

Liebchen HATES car rides. She thumps the entire way. Unfortunately, the low-cost spay/neuter clinic was about 30-45 minutes away – she was not a happy bunny on the way there. She seemed kind of doped up on the way back and didn’t mind the ride. Some rabbits dislike car rides, and others don’t mind them – it seems like most actually don’t mind them. Even if your bunny does mind, he/she will be okay. 

Since it was a low cost place, I followed their typical protocol. Dropped Liebchen off first thing in the morning, I think it was at 8 am, and I picked her up at pickup time which was 5 pm. I don’t think regular vets do this, though, so the time between drop off and pickup will be shorter most likely. Liebchen was tired at first, didn’t want any treats, but after about 6 hours she had some fresh thyme, after 12-14 hours she was eating pretty normally. 

Thank you for your reply! I can’t even get her in a towel though, she really struggles so badly that she scratches everything in her way and I’m really scared she’ll injure herself struggling or tear her wound post op! D: it might be because of her spending her first two or three months as a baby living in a household where there were two little girls who grabbed and handled her incorrectly. (I was so appalled I teared up and my parents and I brought her home on that very day when the family said they were planning to sell her. And they never liked bunnies before that)

[tobyluv]

The pain medication that the vet gives to your rabbit should last about 24 hours, but you will have to give her some pain meds for 2 or 3 days afterwards, so you will have to hold her for that, or have someone else hold her, even if it’s just to keep her still on the floor as you give her the medicine. If you have never administered oral medications before, place the syringe in on the side of her mouth, between the front and back teeth. She may be subdued for a few days due to the surgery and medicines, so maybe she will be easier to handle. Maybe you can try the bunny burrito to have her under control while you are giving her medicine. There are videos that you can find online to show you how it’s done. After giving her medicine, you can take a quick look at her incision.

The 2 bunnies that I have had spayed, recovered quickly, within just a few days. And they both started eating right away, but don’t be upset if your rabbit doesn’t want to eat much the first day. Have some of her favorite greens on hand to tempt her. Or some of her favorite fruits (small amounts only).

I have no idea how long the procedures took. The vet normally tells you to bring the rabbit early in the morning, then to pick up the rabbit late in the afternoon.

You are not being paranoid. We all tend to worry when our bunnies are having surgery. That is normal.

[DaisyMae]

I’m so glad someone asked these questions. My bun is at the Vet as we speak being spayed and I am concerned about giving her the medication when she comes home because she hates being held too. I even warned the tech to be careful because she will kick and scratch and try to jump out of your arms. We will try the towel method. I hope it works because she is feisty!

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