preparation for spay surgery

[KamOlaf]

I just made an appointment next week for flower to get spayed, is there any way to “prepare” her at all? I know your not supposed to take food away or anything, but I just am worried for her, :/

[Sindri]

I just had Kilala spayed over a week ago. I didn’t change anything before her surgery. You are right about the food. The day of the surgery I took her food with her as well. I made sure that when I brought her home she had a comfortable space to be confined in that didn’t have anything she could jump on. I have an xpen that’s what I kept her in for the first 3 days. I had a nice soft blanket on the floor over the carpet. She doesn’t like to sleep on any bedding in her cage. I would make sure you have her favorite veggies and foods around to encourage her to eat. She probably wont eat much the first day. I had a situation on the third day where I noticed she wasn’t peeing or pooping but otherwise was her normal self so I called my vet and they told me to give her a small amount of sweet potato baby food mixed with water. They said that if she didn’t go to the bathroom by the next day to bring her in. That worked. Other than that she did well. If that happens with your rabbit you could try that. Also make sure you get pain meds. Rabbits wont want to eat if they are in pain. Your bun should do just fine. =)

[KamOlaf]

Okay, I think maybe I should do something similar. I have a giant nic cage made from storage cubes, but after her surgery, maybe I can use her old pet store cage which is a bit small, but will keep her from jumping. How long should I keep her in there to rest, and also I should wait 4-6 weeks when trying to bond her and my male, right?

[Sindri]

My vet said to keep mine confined for 3 days. That’s what I did because she was really wanting to get out and about on day 4. I just made sure she couldn’t jump on anything. I too plan to bond my two rabbits. So what you said about 4 to 6 weeks is good that’s what I am gonna do as well.

[KamOlaf]

Okay, I would love to see how your bonding experiences go, Do you have an idea when you will begin bonding? I will be able to just before Christmas, if her appointment doesnt change. ^^

[Sindri]

I will probably start bonding the second week in December.Kilala was spayed on the 1rst of November. This will be my first time bonding. I am a bit nervous but this site has really good bonding info and the advice I have read to others on here is great. I am not sure what to expect I have had Kilala since August and the rabbits have only seen each other threw cages and my boy rabbit doesn’t seem too pleased at all. I am afraid of how he is gonna behave. I have already done blanket and toy swapping and he always grunts and seems mad at her items. She just sniffs his stuff and goes about her business. hehe You will have to let me know how your bonding goes as well. =)

[RabbitPam]

Sindriona gave you excellent advice. I would only add that after the procedure, when you have her home again, you want to check the incision site for any swelling, redness or oozing. It’s easy to do if you put a hand mirror on the floor next to her feet, tempt her to stand on her hind legs by holding a treat above her nose, and take a quick peek at her reflection in the mirror. Much easier than trying to turn her upside down to see it.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call your vet. They are there to reassure you, or to treat if any follow up care is needed.

Definitely don’t let her jump up on anything for several days. She can run around on one level if she is healing well and wants to. The smaller cage is a good option. She may not have much of an appetite when you bring her home, for about 24 hours possibly.

[KamOlaf]

Thank you, both of you. I am now reassured, but still worried since she is basically my baby, ^^ Also, I hope your bonding goes okay, who are you bonding kilala with? How old are they? Is the other little one spayed/ neutered. I just got Bear, my 4-5 month bun neutered, and it’s so cute, because I let one out to play at a time, he will run up to flowers cage, she will lower her head and start to close her eyes, and he will groom her fur, ^^

[MimiMaryland]

Thank you!  

My bunny goes in for his surgery tomorrow.  I will have some sweet potato baby food on hand just in case. 

Posted By Sindriona on 11/12/2013 12:45 PM

I just had Kilala spayed over a week ago. I didn’t change anything before her surgery. You are right about the food. The day of the surgery I took her food with her as well. I made sure that when I brought her home she had a comfortable space to be confined in that didn’t have anything she could jump on. I have an xpen that’s what I kept her in for the first 3 days. I had a nice soft blanket on the floor over the carpet. She doesn’t like to sleep on any bedding in her cage. I would make sure you have her favorite veggies and foods around to encourage her to eat. She probably wont eat much the first day. I had a situation on the third day where I noticed she wasn’t peeing or pooping but otherwise was her normal self so I called my vet and they told me to give her a small amount of sweet potato baby food mixed with water. They said that if she didn’t go to the bathroom by the next day to bring her in. That worked. Other than that she did well. If that happens with your rabbit you could try that. Also make sure you get pain meds. Rabbits wont want to eat if they are in pain. Your bun should do just fine. =)

[Sindri]

Oh I forgot to mention checking the incision. I used the mirror trick too. I think I seen that you mentioned that in a past post  RabbitPam. Your vet should give you instructions about after care.  I am bonding my 2 rabbits Kilala who is 5 months old she is the one that just got spayed a little over a week ago and Usagi  my boy bun he is 9 or 10 months old now. It sounds like your rabbits will bond nicely if they groom threw the cage. My rabbits cages got too close a couple of times and Usagi seemed like he would bite Kilala if he could. Like I said I am a bit nervous about bonding them. hehe

MimiMaryland I hope your bunny’s spay goes well. I hope you don’t have to use the sweet potato food. Glad that the tip could be helpful. I was glad they told me to do that being I couldn’t get to the vets office that day. Oh and also make sure they get lots of fluids. Kilala did drink lots of water so I wasn’t too worried there. Best of luck.

[Author]

Messages