Bunny Wonderland aims to sterilize all our rescued rabbits before rehoming. As a rabbit becomes sexually mature at 4 months old, their raging hormones promote territorial behaviour such as marking and mounting. As they age, their chance of contracting reproductive diseases, such as uterine cancer in females and testicular cancer in males can be as high as 80%.
We recommend neutering males by 6 months and spaying females by 8 months. If you have an unsterilized rabbit, we will encourage you to sterilize him/her prior to adopting another. As sterilization is a major surgery, here are some suggestions to ensure a smooth operation.
1. Pick a trusted rabbit-savvy vet
– A rabbit-savvy vet not only sees rabbits regularly but is also experienced in conducting surgeries, administering anaesthesia and dealing with complications (see ‘Vet Recommendation’ section).
2. Ensure your rabbit is of good health prior to the surgery
– The vet should conduct a full body check and blood test before the surgery. We strongly recommend the blood test to ensure a healthy liver and kidney and overall health to help your rabbit overcome the anaesthesia and wake up from the surgery.
3. Ensure you are well-prepared for the recovery process
– The neutering for a male tends to be less painful while the spaying for the female is more invasive. We will typically hospitalize them overnight for aided feeding and intensive monitoring. Your vet may prescribe painkillers or supplements to help your rabbit until they regain their appetite (See ‘First Aid’ section).
