Lakeside Veterinary Center, LLC
(301)498-8387

Rabbit Neuters

Why should I fix my male rabbit if he is not broken?

• Testicular tumors are very common in older rabbits.
• Non-neutered males will often fail to bond to any other rabbits.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rabbit Spays

1.    Why should spays be performed at 3-6 months of age before the first heat cycle?

While health problems that affect non-neutered males occur later in life, neutered males can be bonded to other bunnies soon after surgery.

2.    How long will my rabbit be in the hospital?

Surgeries are done on an outpatient basis.  Pets are dropped off between 7:30 and 9 am and discharged in the evening of the same day. Surgeries are admitted by appointment only.

3.    What do I need to do to prepare my rabbit for surgery?

Nothing special.  He should eat and drink normally until arrival at our facility.

4.    Will he be in pain?

Before surgery, he will receive a pain medication and a mild tranquilizer. After about 20 minutes, he will receive a general anesthetic and be kept asleep with oxygen and isoflurane anesthetic gas.  Prior to surgical incision, local anesthesia is injected and a different long acting local anesthetic is injected in the area once surgery is completed.  Most rabbits will receive and additional injection of pain medication once they are waking up from anesthesia.  All rabbits are monitored closely for comfort once they are recovered.  In the rare instance a rabbit seems to be in pain, additional medications are given to make them comfortable.

5.    What can I do to make it easier for him the day of surgery?

We have been using Laser surgery (instead of a scalpel blade) for over 12 years with great success.  The Laser reduces pain, swelling and bleeding as compared to a scalpel blade.  Use of Laser is an option provided to you. To learn more about Laser surgery click here.

We strongly recommend the use of some pain medications at home for about 7 days after surgery.  This is an option provided to you.

6.    What are the risks of surgery and anesthesia? How can I reduce that risk?

The risks of surgery include bleeding and wound infection.  These risks are minimized for an experienced surgeon and our veterinary staff has over 30 years of experience with surgery.  The Laser reduces bleeding and sterilizes as it cuts; it is a great option to choose.

The risks of anesthesia include the development of abnormal heart rhythms, decreased blood pressure (may exacerbate kidney problems), and in very rare cases, death. We offer to you a preoperative EKG (checks heart rhythm) and preoperative blood tests to check for anemia and kidney or liver disease.  These tests tell us if your pet is as healthy as possible to undergo elective surgery. Both the EKG and the blood tests are offered as an option to you.

One of the risks of anesthesia in surgery unique to rabbits and other herbivores is the chance of developing gastric stasis. All rabbits are fed as soon as they are alert enough to swallow appropriately.  They are assist fed every 30-60 minutes post-operation until discharge from our facility to prevent gastric stasis.