Male rabbits:

Male rabbits can be castrated at the age of 5-6 months old, once the descent of the testes into the scrotal sacs is obvious.

The procedure is done under general anaesthetic, is quick, has some potential complications like post-operative infection or bleeding, but is usually safe. There is minimal post-operative care required, apart from observing the appetite and the wound daily for first 3-5 days.

Some advantages of castration of a young rabbits include decreasing hypersexuality, aggression and dominance behaviour, and in some cases where rabbits are allowed to roam in the house, minimise urine marking and promotes litter box training. This is not to mention the prevention of unwanted pregnancy, especially if you intend to house male and female rabbits together. Male rabbits that are castrated early may sometimes be calmer and less likely to fight with each other.

Older rabbits (1 year and above) can still be castrated but the behavioural benefits from the surgery may be less obvious.

Female rabbits:

Female rabbits are best spayed at around 5-6 months. Older female rabbits can be spayed also, but the surgery may be harder due to increased in fat tissues around the womb. Nevertheless, we still advise spaying of female rabbits, a long as they are in general good health.

The main important reasons for spaying female rabbits, apart from aggression during false pregnancy or preventing unwanted pregnancy, is to prevent occurrence of uterine disorders. These disorders include uterine cancer - a rather common problem in female rabbits above 3 years old, uterine infection (pyometra), abnormal blood clots formation or abnormal glandular development. Signs of uterine disorders include bloody urine, weakness, poor appetite, weight loss or anaemia, and these signs may not often be obvious until the diseases are very advanced. These disorders are frequently fatal - uterine cancer could spread to the brain, lung or liver, to cause organ failure and death. Abnormal uterine development could lead to chronic blood loss and eventual death.

Mammary cancer or mammary cysts can also occur in female rabbits that are not spayed, due to the hormones secreted from the ovaries. Spaying the rabbit young minimises these mammary problems.

The surgery is done under general anaesthetic and involves entering the abdomen of the rabbit to remove the ovaries and womb. Though the surgery is not without risks, it is a relatively safe procedure under experienced hands. We will advise female rabbits to be spayed to minimise and prevent the above-mentioned diseases.

Appointment for desexing your rabbits:

Call our reception to make an appointment for your rabbit desexing. Operations are done on weekdays. Ensure your rabbit is well fed for the morning, and is in good health - good appetite, good faecal output (size and no of faecal pellets consistent large and numerous) and is lively.