To spay or not too spay?

[eric]

I just got a new pet bunny 2 years old ish maybe younger. Anyways she may be pregnant. I’m considering having her spayed she is a house pet and loves to be handled I just know there more healthy if fixed. First off will it make her aggressive? Can i have her spayed now if she’s pregnant? Or should I wait till after her litter? If she is pregnant she was mated on xmas eve.by other owner.

[Wick & Fable]

1) What makes you believe she’s pregnant?
2) If she is, do you have a plan of action for researching and becoming educated on how to care for and deal with the kits as they are growing, and what you’ll do with them, whether it’s keep or give responsibly to a rabbit rescue?
3) Is there a rabbit savvy, spay experienced veterinarian in your area?

… I don’t think you should have her spayed while pregnant. The stress on a pregnant body would be terrible. Getting her spayed will make her less aggressive, not more.

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.

[eric]

The last owners told me she was bred xmas eve. A big cage and nesting box our being made for them and I know someone that will take the baby’s from me when weened. I am working on educating myself on care for baby’s and pregnant mother. A nice size 4 foot hutch should be done tomorrow. She has full access to hay food and oxbow pellets. Along with her daily 4 cup salad. Don’t worry no iceberg lettuce.

[eric]

And yes there is a vet near me that I trust. I used to have a Flemish giant that broke it’s leg that they had to pin it.

[Muchelle]

First of all, I’d take her to the vet to confirm that she is pregnant. In case she is and you have no means to take care of the litter you can discuss your options with the vet and decide what to do. At least here it’s possible to perform a spay on an early pregnancy doe (of course resulting in an abortion), but I don’t know if that’s common practice everywhere. As Wick said, make sure the vet is an expert in rabbits so that you can receive correct suggestions and treatments.

In general, females should always be spayed not only to prevent behavioural issues, but also to prevent uterine cancer that would otherwise have a high chance of affecting your girl (70/80% if I’m not mistaken).

[Scarlet]

Muchelle, you are correct. The cancer ratio goes up by year of life. They start off with a bad 40% or more, but by the next year or so, it gets to 60-80% chance of getting it as the body is under so much stress.

So spaying as soon as you can is recommended because doing it later has higher risks of complications as well.

If OP can get it confirmed she’s not pregs, then I recommend spaying right away, best for bonding and health to do it before they become moodier from the pain of their twenty-eight day cycles which easily dampen the chances of bonding with certain rabbits.

[Author]

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