How to Spay and Neuter Pet Bunny Rabbits

Responsible pet owners who choose to spay or neuter their animals help reduce overpopulation and increase the benefits associated with sterility, including a friendlier temperament. Although the terms "spay" and "neuter" are most associated with dogs and cats, animal lovers who own a pet rabbit should consider the same practice for their furry friend, as well.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consult with an exotic animal veterinarian about performing the spay or neuter procedure. She will determine the overall health and age of your rabbit and decide to spay a female by removing her reproductive organs or neuter a male by removing its testicles. Although you can choose to spay or neuter your rabbit at any point beyond six months of age, the younger the rabbit is, the easier the surgery is to perform.

2. Allow your rabbit to eat leading up to the spay or neuter procedure. Although veterinarians advise dog and cat owners to deny food to their animal overnight out of fear that it might aspirate vomit during the surgery, a rabbit is much less likely to vomit. Remove the food a few hours before the procedure to allow a sufficient amount of fasting without disrupting your rabbit's sensitive digestive tract.

3. Follow proper aftercare once your rabbit has had the spay or neuter procedure. Clean your rabbit's living area thoroughly before it comes home to reduce the risk of wound infection. If your rabbit has a large or multi-tiered living area, restrict its movement to just one section of the cage. Provide your rabbit with ample food and water and call the veterinarian if the rabbit refuses to eat or drink.

4. Check the surgical site each day and administer pain relief according to the veterinarian's instructions. Also, observe that your rabbit is able to urinate and defecate. Call the veterinarian if the wound looks infected or if the rabbit does not urinate or pass stool.