Neutering advice and support
Why should I neuter my rabbits/guinea pigs?
Quite simply, it's one of the very best things you can do for them; there are huge health and social benefits and most importantly it prevents unplanned litters, which although very beautiful, are extremely difficult to find good, knowledgeable homes for. Although its easy to sell them at 8 weeks old when they're cute and fluffy, don't forget that many will end up in rescue centres before they're 18 months old - and they're the lucky ones - many more will lead boring miserable existences locked in tiny hutches at the bottom of the garden, lonely neglected and forgotten. The suffering of these little animals is immense (see Hutches of Horror!) so please be responsible and don't add to the problem - neutering is so easy.Many people are frightened to have their small pets neutered because they've been told horror stories of animals dying under anaesthetic; terrible post-op reactions etc but let me put those fears into perspective. The drugs and methods used today are safer and more modern than they've ever been and vets are very experienced with the operations - nowadays it's as routine as neutering a dog or cat. Obviously, as with any animal (or human for that matter) there's always a degree of risk with anaesthesia but it has to be balanced against the very obvious benefits - a lonely rabbit or guinea pig will have their life transformed by being able to have a friend. Suddenly they have someone to eat with, play with, groom and talk to; it makes such a difference to them. They need to socialise with their own species, just as humans do. As I've mentioned before, in order to stay healthy they need to keep their stress levels as low as possible and loneliness is a major form of stress for them. Remember, they are basically no different to their wild cousins and in the wild, they would have the company of others.
Neutering Males (Rabbits and Guinea Pigs)
A very quick and straightforward procedure; both testicles are removed through either two small incisions in the scrotum or one in the abdomen. Dissolvable stitches or tissue glue will close the incision(s) up and although initially he'll be a little sore, he should be bright and ready to go home later that same day. The veterinary staff will make sure he has eaten before he leaves, it's vital they resume eating as soon as possible after the operation to ensure the gut keeps moving. Because rabbits and guinea pigs have no vomit reflex they can be fed as usual on the morning of the op, there is no danger of sickness while under the anaesthetic. After neutering, your rabbit or guinea pig could still remain fertile for 3-4 weeks, so he will need to be kept separate from females for this time, however you can use those weeks to get him acquainted with his new lady friend by placing their cages and runs next door to each other!Neutering Females (Rabbits only)
Only female rabbits are neutered (spayed) as a matter of routine; guinea pigs would only be done as an emergency procedure - they would find it rather traumatic and to be honest, there isn't really the same need. Female guinea pigs are generally pretty calm and their pregnancies last for 9 weeks, as opposed to the rabbit's gestation of just 4 weeks, so their hormones aren't so "busy" and they certainly don't get moody and aggressive like rabbits do!An incision of 2 inches or so is made in the abdomen and the reproductive organs are removed. She will then be closed up with both internal and external dissolvable stitches. She will be given painkillers, her eating will be monitored and she should be going home later that same day. The wound will be completely healed in 10 days, but will be knitting over nicely after 3-5 days; they rarely take any notice of it but just keep an eye on it, if it looks red or swollen, or if she seems in obvious discomfort and / or is reluctant to eat, she may need to be checked by the vet, usually a painkiller or antibiotic jab will settle things down. Although it's important to keep things as normal as possible (see General Post-op Care) it may be a good idea to restrict her movement a little for the first 2 or 3 days; not drastically, but for example, if she normally runs around the whole garden, perhaps only let her out for an hour or so, or put her in a run, just to make sure she doesn't overdo things.
If you have two females, you should consider spaying them both at the same time to avoid the risk that they "forget" each other after separation and will fight when put back together, which would obviously be very dangerous. Ask your vet if it's possible to keep them together before and after the op and keep them together as normal when they come home (but monitor them carefully). If you split them for 10 days while they heal, you'll have a devil of a job to pair them back up - even if they've been side by side - so always keep girls together wherever possible.
A newly spayed female returning to a neutered male companion should be absolutely fine, just watch to make sure he doesn't pester her, but she'll probably be pleased to see him. Separate them if he is a pest, but keep them close. It's important to neuter a male rabbit even if the female is spayed as he will keep trying to mount her - that kind of behaviour gets very wearing for her after a while!
General Post Operative Care
Although your pet may initially be a little quieter after his or her operation, it's very important not to fuss them too much, they recover much faster if they get back to their normal routine as quickly as possible. Obviously they need to be kept warm after an anesthetic, but unless it's really freezing, they'll be fine in their normal living quarters. Make sure the bedding is clean and fresh (and lots of it) and cover them down with a blanket or waterproof sheet if it's cold or damp. They will be much happier in their own familiar surroundings, rather than indoors with strange noises, smells etc and they'll be more inclined to eat, which is so important.Normality is the key to a speedy recovery; keep an eye on the wound and your pets behavior and if you have any concerns, don't be afraid to seek your vets advice.
Need some help?
If you are still nervous about the idea of neutering I would be pleased to help; The Deane Veterinary Centre on Wellington Road Taunton take care of all my neuterings and are therefore very experienced at operating on rabbits and guinea pigs alike. I now offer a neutering package which includes :- Five days boarding at a discounted rate of £2.00 per day;
- All booking and travel arrangements to and from the surgery taken care of;
- A competitively priced neutering operation with an additional 10% discount
At least two weeks notice is required and fees will be payable on the day of arrival; Please note, availability for this service may be reduced during the very busy boarding periods (school summer holidays, Easter, Christmas etc).
For more information please contact me on either of my numbers (the mobile is usually best during the day) 07890 407151 or 01823 322173.
