Why do we neuter female rabbits?

Neutering female rabbits prevents unwanted mating and therefore unwanted pregnancies. Rabbits can get pregnant from around three months of age and will mate even if they are related (i.e., brother and sister hence the expression, ’breed like rabbits’!).

Another reason is uterine cancer; up to 80% of un-neutered female rabbits can develop cancer of the uterus by the age of five. Neutering your female rabbit at an early age will stop these cancers from developing.

Female rabbits can often be more aggressive when they are un-neutered.

Why do we neuter male rabbits?

Neutering male rabbits also prevents unwanted mating and therefore unwanted pregnancies.

Un-neutered males can be aggressive to other rabbits. They can bite, scratch and cause injuries to other rabbits, which may need veterinary treatment. They can also be aggressive to their owners and are known to bite.

Un-neutered males will urine spray to mark their territory, and this is less common in neutered males.

We recommended a neutered female and neutered male, as these are usually the most successful pairing.

When to have your rabbit neutered?

Male and female rabbits can be neutered from four months of age.

The procedure

Before the op

• Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits don’t need to be starved before surgery, so there is no need to withhold their food or water.

• You can bring some of their own food, hay and fresh greens for them.

• If they have a rabbit friend, we recommend bringing them along for company.

The operation

• We will give your rabbit a light sedative, some pain relief, and settle them in a warm, comfortable bed.

• Once the sedation has taken effect, your rabbit will be put under a full general anaesthetic.

• They will then be carefully monitored, while they are clipped and cleaned, ready for surgery.

• They will be given blankets to keep them nice and warm.

• If your rabbit is female, your vet will make a small incision along the middle of her abdomen (tummy) so her ovaries and uterus (womb) can be carefully removed.

• If your rabbit is male, your vet will make a small incision over each testicle so that they can be carefully removed.

After the op

• Your rabbit will wake up from their anaesthetic under the careful watch of a vet nurse and be placed in a warm, comfortable bed to recover.

• It’s important your rabbit starts eating again quickly after they wake up to prevent gut stasis (when the guts stop working properly). They will be monitored closely, and if necessary, might be syringe fed their first meal.

• Most rabbits can return home a few hours after their operation, but if your rabbit takes a bit longer to come round from their anaesthetic, or doesn’t start eating again quickly, they may need to be monitored for longer.

• They will go home with a home care sheet and pain relief. We like to see them back five days after the procedure.

If you are a client at Coquet Vets and this article has raised any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to call us on 01665 252250 or email us at info@coquetvets.co.uk

For the month of June 2023, we are also running a special promotion to give you 10% off the full neutering price for rabbits at Coquet Vets, with an extra 5% off if you’re in our Coquet Pet Club (15% off in total). The promotion is for rabbits, both male and female. Find out more >>