Questions about the ol’ ball chop

[wumbo]

Hey guys! Wumbo is getting neutered on the 4th and I’m terrified because I’ve heard rabbits don’t do well under anesthesia- has that been true for anyone? Also, the vet wants me to just drop him off but he hasn’t had an exam yet (I was told they have to do it on the day of the neuter) but am I being a helicopter mom if I demand to be present during the exam? This is my first rabbit if you couldn’t tell. Wumbo’s about 5-6 months and his testicles have already dropped. He is very young and healthy but I’m still scared he won’t handle the anesthesia well or the recovery. How long is the recovery process usually? Does anyone have any tips on how to keep him safe and comfortable after the neuter? Things to do, things to avoid? Should I request pain meds even if the vet doesn’t offer?

Also side question – is it uncomfortable or unhealthy if Wumbo has a ridiculous amount of fur on the bottoms of his paws? His paw pads are deep under a layer of fluff. It’s like he’s wearing fuzzy slippers and they are a bit stained! Is this fine or would it be more comfortable or clean for him if I have them trim his paw fur while he’s in surgery? If it’s not effecting him, I won’t, just want to make sure! I’ve included a pic where you can sort of see the thick layer of fluff on his feetsies.

Thanks guys as always!

[Wick & Fable]

If the vet is experienced with doing neuters and he’s a healthy rabbit, he should do fine. Recovery will take about a week or less. You should ask for pain meds just in case post surgery. His feet should be fine without trimming. Feet are naturally like that, and it helps padding because rabbits don’t actually have feet pads. Their heels are like our elbows, so it’s good to have that fur there for cushioning.

When he’s recovering, you should avoid picking him up too much and prevent him from jumping or climbing too much until a week afterwards. This is to ensure the surgical site doesn’t tear or get strained. Keep hay neat to he doesn’t accidentally poke the site with hay strands as well.

Doing a final evaluation at the neuter day is common. It would be good for you to be there during that to make sure it’s being done. Some people to blood work and such, but not all.

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.

[caillou]

I had all the same concerns before Alfie’s neuter! It has become way safer for rabbits to go under anesthesia in recent years. As long as you have a rabbit-savvy vet, everything should be A-OK. The recovery period really depends on the bun, mine was good to go and completely back to normal after 2 days but some buns it takes longer. Like Wick mentioned, try to make sure he’s not jumping/climbing/stretching too high to avoid aggravating the incision site. After Alfie’s neuter, I filled a water bottle with warm water and put it in his cage with him and he enjoyed snuggling up to that, I think it made him more comfortable. Also, make sure you have all of his favorite foods on hand! After the procedure, it is more important that he eats rather than what he eats. Alfie got a ton of parsley and cilantro, which are his favorites, just so that I could make sure he was putting some food into his body. On that note, make sure you don’t fast him before the procedure!! Rabbits aren’t like cats and dogs that need to be fasted, our bun can eat completely normally up until the procedure!

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