Post Operative Behaviour

[Dusty]

Hello everyone, I’m brand new here and although I’ve read lots of posts, I’m after some advice this time please! We got our 10 month old bun, Dusty spayed yesterday but we’re quite worried about her. She wouldn’t move last night and refused to eat anything so we took her back to the vets this morning and they gave her some more pain killers and a syringe feed and then said she was fine to come home. Since then, she won’t come anywhere near her and isn’t responding to any of our verbal cues (such as treat and bedtime) which she normally responds to. She is hiding from us and we had to give her another syringe feed tonight because she still isn’t eating. 

I’m really worried about her physically, but I’m also worried that the bond we had has been ruined and I’m just worried whether this behaviour will be here to stay or whether she will ever trust us again? I’d be grateful for any advice or experiences that people have – thank you in advance, you will help calm a worried bunny Mum! 

[tobyluv]

Some rabbits don’t bounce back as quickly from a spay surgery as others may. Some may start eating right away but others do not want to eat and have to be syringe fed. Some rabbits may be more active, while others may not want to move much at all. It’s understandable that she is quiet and that she may be hiding from you. Did the vet give you pain medication to take home with you? Most rabbits will need it for a few days.

Make sure that you have all of her favorite greens and fruit on hand to tempt her to eat. Besides the pain she may have (pain medications may not take it away 100%) she is also experiencing fluctuations in her hormone levels. That can cause a change in her behavior, which should go away when the hormones have leveled off. The whole experience of going to the vet and going through surgery can cause rabbits to act differently, but that should change as she starts to heal. Sit near her, speak to her and pet her, if she wants it. Keep encouraging her to eat, but keep up the syringe feeding if she isn’t eating. Hopefully she will feel better and be back to her old self soon.

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By Dusty on 1/21/2017 2:12 PM

Hello everyone, I’m brand new here and although I’ve read lots of posts, I’m after some advice this time please! We got our 10 month old bun, Dusty spayed yesterday but we’re quite worried about her. She wouldn’t move last night and refused to eat anything so we took her back to the vets this morning and they gave her some more pain killers and a syringe feed and then said she was fine to come home. Since then, she won’t come anywhere near her and isn’t responding to any of our verbal cues (such as treat and bedtime) which she normally responds to. She is hiding from us and we had to give her another syringe feed tonight because she still isn’t eating. 

I’m really worried about her physically, but I’m also worried that the bond we had has been ruined and I’m just worried whether this behaviour will be here to stay or whether she will ever trust us again? I’d be grateful for any advice or experiences that people have – thank you in advance, you will help calm a worried bunny Mum! 

My Buttercup gave me the stink eye and attitude for 2 days – then she went back to normal, our bond wasn’t effected in any way (apart from those two days!) 

[Author]

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