Mt Martha Vet ClinicDesexing Your Rabbit
At Mt Martha Vet Clinic, we understand how much your rabbit friend means to you. Neutering is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and we are dedicated to ensuring your rabbit’s operation is performed safely and successfully.
What is Involved in Desexing?
On the morning of surgery, your rabbit is weighed and examined. If all is well, then a sedative injection will be administered, which relieves anxiety and provides pain relief. An intravenous catheter (IV) is placed in the foreleg or the ear to give anaesthetic and fluids through. Once asleep, we place a tube over the airway to deliver a supply of anaesthetic gas and oxygen during the procedure. The surgical site is then clipped and prepared, and antibiotics are administered. The anaesthetic is closely monitored and recorded by the nurse whilst the Vet performs the surgery in sterile conditions, using human-grade suture materials. At the end of surgery, additional pain relief is administered through the IV access, and your pet is returned to its bed and closely monitored during recovery.
In MALES, both testicles are removed (Castration)
In FEMALES, the uterus and ovaries are entirely removed (Ovario-hysterectomy/Spay)
Post-Surgery Care
At discharge, the nurse will spend time with you discussing postoperative care, and you will also receive written instructions. Stitches are placed under the skin, as rabbits are renowned for chewing through skin stitches. In the vast majority of cases, your rabbit will go home on the day of surgery. For your convenience, they can be admitted the evening before surgery at no extra charge. If extra accommodation is required afterwards, then an extra charge will apply. Our fees include a check-up 2-4 days after the day of the surgery.
What Are the Benefits of Desexing?
Rabbits breed fast and young, hence the saying “They breed like rabbits!” Desexing is therefore a crucial part of controlling fertility and population.
For MALES
- Decrease/Eliminate spraying on objects and us! It will also improve litter habits.
- Decrease aggressive and territorial behaviours (ie, biting and nipping) towards people and hutch mates.
- Decreased risk of testicular cancer
- Less stress due to sexual frustration (NOTE – males can still be fertile for up to 4 weeks after desexing)
For FEMALES
- Eliminate risk of diseases associated with the Uterus (ie, cancers and pyometra) – A female bunny has a 70% chance of contracting uterine cancer by the age of 4.
- Decrease destructive behaviours (ie, chewing and digging)
- Decrease territorial behaviours – Female bunnies can be very aggressive and just plain grumpy once they start coming into season. This can occur quite suddenly when they are between 4 and 8 months of age.
At What Age Can My Rabbit Be Desexed Mt Martha Veterinary Clinic?
Providing your pet is healthy, we advise desexing from 6 months of age for females. Males are considered sexually mature from the time their testicles descend, which can occur before the age of 4 months. In this case, we can ascertain an appropriate age to desex after physical examination by the Vet.
When Can I Go Ahead?
A few days notice is all that is required – simply call us on 03 5974 1199 where we will be able to arrange a time, and supply you with any other information you will need to prepare your pet for surgery with us! Our helpful staff will also be able to answer any other queries you may have.