Where is the Scientific Study for the commonly quoted 85% uterine cancer rate?

[Lion_Lop_Lover]

In no way am I trying to stir up bunny pebbles, and I am all for spaying and neutering; however, the 85% uterine cancer possibility after age 4 is thrown about so much I am wondering where the source for this is?

Does anyone have a link to the study, or know the information about the study?

 

[Sarita]

This is a good article actually done by a breeder on uterine cancer (supporting spaying & neutering!) with some statistics:

http://www.geocities.com/heavyhitter1.geo/UC.html

Another good link w/links

http://www.uvm.edu/~jdion/pets/spay.html

http://www.vet-2-pet.com/rabbitwelfare/uterinecancerinthedoe.html

I’m finding lots of information on it but I can’t really tell which one is the actual scientific study on it.

 

[Gravehearted]

thanks for sharing the different articles Sarita 🙂

There are also a number of other links regarding uterine cancer in rabbits on this page:

homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabrefs.html#uterinecancer

 

 

[skunklionshow]

Those are some great sources for that information.  I asked my neighbor the vet about this as well.  She stated that rabbits having a higher fat content in their uterine tissue.  This increase in fat, makes tumors very likely.  These tumors can be benign, but as similar to vaccine carcinoma in other species, these tumors can develop into cancerous tumors.  Hope that made sense.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Thanks for posting!!

I was going to spay, then not going to spay since I read rabbits don’t do well under anastetic..Then I read about the uterine cancer issue and i was sold (although I am still frightened about how they will manage)…I’ve lost one dog to cancer and my current dog, mandy has a brain tumour so cancer in animals is very scary to me…

I then spent three weeks searching for a vet that I believe is both practiced and knowledgeable (I emailed all the vets in my city with ‘trick’ questions, then eliminated all the vets who got them wrong-as well as all the vets that don’t see rabbits). Now I’ve almost the money saved up and the time off work approved…Kokanee will be getting her spay in November and Kahlua will be just getting a check up….I’m sill very worried about how they will do with the surgery but that cancer statistic just makes it a no choice issue!

[Scarlet_Rose]

Here is a bibliography from the HRS of their sources of information for uterine cancer:

http://www.rabbit.org/care/bibliography.html

The figure I have most often heard and read about is 80%.

[BinkyBunny]

kokaneeandkahlua – That is so great that you really took the time to make sure to weed out the inexperienced vet. It is true that bunnies are more sensitive to anesthesia, but an experienced rabbit savvy vet knows how much to give and for how long, and it looks like you really did your research. I know you will still be nervous. That’s normal. I know most people feel the way you do, even when they are fully confident in the whole process. It’s just a part of seeing the creatures we love go through surgery.

Post a new thread the day before surgery so we can all offer well wishes and healing vibes.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Thanks BinkyBunny! I will for sure post a thread! I know I will be fretting all day at work about it (luckily my mom will be picking them up from the vets as she will be able to get there before they close so she can phone me asap and let me know how my babies are ! )

[MsBinky]

The risk of an unspayed female dying of cancer is much great than dying to complications from the anesthetic. I was also worried about it. But when my girl fell ill (and very ill at that) and they operated with her being in less than desirable condition, I knew that a good vet could indeed perform the surgery with little risk.

I really am glad you changed your mind!

[beth82]

Wow. That’s a very high rate.  And those are interesting articles.

At what age are pet bunnies usually spayed? 

[Scarlet_Rose]

Yes the rate is astonishingly high, I am glad you found the articles interesting.  Now you know not only is it important to spay to prevent pet overpopulation but also to extend the time and quality of life for them too.  Boys are usually neutered when the testicles descend, sometimes as early as 3 months old, females are usually spayed anywhere from 5-7 months old, depending on the vet, but their hormones kick in at about three months old too. So if you have a girl, you need to hang in there with rampaging hormones a little longer than with males.  Which can be trying at times.

[Beka27]

Beth82… everyone’s rabbits develop the hormone-craziness at different ages.  i got Meadow at 4 months and she was fine until about 5.5 to 6 months.  Meadow is 7 months now and was just spayed last week and she’s doing so much better already.  it is absolutely worth it to get it done… i can tell already.

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